The Dominican Republic's economy is coping better than many others in the face of the world downturn, the country's president has said.

Leonel Fernandez told a meeting organised by the Economist Group this week that their prediction of one per cent growth for the country's gross domestic product will be exceeded, with the island actually achieving three per cent.

Such growth could help bolster the property market in the Caribbean country.

Tourism has held up better than expected, President Fernandez stated, comments that may interest those looking to invest in holiday lettings.

In an article on the Dominican Republic's tourist appeal, the Baltimore Examiner listed a number of “wonderful” places to explore.

These included Boca Chica with its lagoon, white sandy beaches, watersports and scuba diving, La Romana, which it stated is “considered by many to be without equal in the Caribbean” and Santiago, located in the country's main cigar producing area.