Punta Cana Impressions

Each May I take a class of University of South Carolina students down to beautiful Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to survey visitors leaving the Punta Cana International Airport regarding their satisfaction with the airport and their tourist experience.

On the left is an example of the Punta Cana International Tourist and Aircrew Survey conducted by undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Hospitality, Retail, & Sport Management.

On the right is an example of a study abroad

recruiting poster about the trip. While in the Dominican Republic, students experience authentic culture through excursions to neaby towns and cities, learn about sustainability and ecology at the PUNTACANA Ecological Foundation led by Director Jake Kheel and Logisitics Coordinator Benjamin Hulefeld, immerse themselves in an emerging hospitality and tourism destination--all the while catching some rays and practicing their Spanish.

The Punta Cana is one of the few study abroad experiences offered at a major university that also provides an applied research experience for hospitality and tourism students, thus preparing our students for an increasingly competitive global job market. The goal of this research is to assist the Punta Cana International Airport with quality improvement in such areas as baggage handling and food service. My blog will document this applied research experience, as well as attempt to profile the sights and sites of one of the Caribbean's major new tourism centers.

Below are a few impressionistic photos of where we stay while conducting the survey--the world-class Punta Cana Club & Resort.  Enjoy the follow pictures of the Punta Cana destination, the resort, and shots of the survey process at work!

 Walkway to the Beach

 I Love Old Boats...

 And New Boats

                                             

Well-kept grounds of Punta Cana Club & Resort

                        Canopy of Palms

 Sun Palm

 Casitas in the Palms

Made in the Shade!