Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism Announces International Design Competition

Aspiring designers invited to submit logo design for one of the world's happiest places

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, November 12 - The Dominican Republic (DR) Ministry of Tourism is seeking aspiring
designers to create a new tourism logo design that reflects the growing
recognition and stature of the DR as the world's premier Caribbean
destination. The DR is opening the competition to the world's graphic
designers to celebrate the increasing amount of global visitors who come to
enjoy the large island nation's magnificent natural beauty, amazing culture,
history, and diverse accommodations and activities.

"Since the DR attracts nearly five million visitors from around the world
each year, we want to welcome all international designers interested in
taking part to do so, with particular emphasis on young emerging and new
designers," said Magaly Toribio, DR Ministry of Tourism's Vice Minister of
International Promotion. "The new design will help us visually represent the
DR's magnificent natural appeal to travelers all around the world and will be
used on all DR tourism promotional materials."

Winners will receive prizes including a trip to the DR. Ranked a top
destination for sun, sea and sand, the DR was named the second happiest
nation in the world by Britain's New Economics Foundation this year. Known
for lush tropical beauty, mountains, waterfalls and amazing coastlines,
approximately 25 percent of the DR has been protected as national parks and
nature preserves and is the most bio-diverse country in the Caribbean.
Deadline for entry is Dec. 30, 2009. For full details on how to enter,
including terms, conditions and prizes, please visit:
www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

The Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492.
Rich in history, the DR has developed into a diverse destination offering
both Dominican and European flavors to nearly 5 million visitors each year.
Named #1 Golf Destination in the Caribbean & Latin America by the
International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the DR boasts 25 designer
golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, sophisticated cities and
quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. The DR features the best
beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for
celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit the Dominican Republic
Ministry of Tourism's official Web site at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

Vanessa Welter of bvk Public Relations, +1-414-247-3803, vwelter at bvk.com, for DR Ministry of Tourism