La Romana: an exciting new port of call for Caribbean cruises!

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La Romana: an exciting new port of call for Caribbean cruises!
With nearly 200,000 inhabitants La Romana is one of the three largest cities in the Dominican Republic. It is located on the southeast coast of the island of Hispaniola. The economy of the city is largely driven by the sugar industry and by tourism. The Central Romana Corporation is a large sugar producer which employs about 25,000 people. Casa de Campo is one of the most prestigious resorts in the Dominican Republic. Much of the history is developed around these two economic powerhouses.

The city of La Romana was born in 1897 when Congress awarded a grant to a Cuban company to establish an oil refinery. Originally it was a poor city, not offering a promising future for its people. In 1917 the future changed when a large mill was built to allow more sugarcane plantations around the city. The commissioning of the mill coincided with the rise in world sugar prices due to the First World War. This meant the need to increase the labor force, which was welcomed by many Dominicans who moved to the town in search of a better life. In early 1960 Gulf and Western Industries, an American company, bought the sugar mill. In the years that followed the company made large investments in other regions of the country, mainly in the livestock and cement industry. Furthermore Gulf and Western invested about $ 20 million to rebuilt schools, clinics and to create housing for their workers. In the 70's Gulf and Western Industries began to sell its interests elsewhere in the Dominican Republic and concentrated on the development of -what is today- Casa de Campo.

The city continues to grow, the International Airport which receives most of the country's private flights- was not long ago relocated and extensively remodeled. Fairly recent the Tourist Pier has opened, which receives cruise ships traveling around the Caribbean. Today, the greater La Romana area is a magnet for international tourists, due to the magnificent offshore islands, the brilliant turquoise waters and the extensive array of attractions. The map of the area shows the points of interest. In 1975 a large area just east of the city was granted the status as National Park: the National Park del Este. The park covers the whole peninsula south of the line Bayahibe - Boca de Yuma and the offshore islands of Saona and Catalinita are included in the park. The park is yet another draw card to attract international tourists visiting the area. Nearby, the local resort area of Bayahibe was founded as a fishing village in 1874 and is now known as a favorite destination for sun lovers. Various up market resorts are located here. This ecotourist destination is located just 25 minutes east of La Romana and you can explore the surrounding nature and absorb the history of the authentic fishing village. The Bayahibe region is also home to the exotic Bayahibe Rose, the country's national flower.