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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-This island nation of 9.1 million people hasbeen tapped for a $1-billion vacation complex to be headlined bythe Ritz Carlton. The international lodging firm will team with aDominican-based developer to create its Ritz Carlton, Cap Cana, amix of hotel rooms and 194 privately owned residences. The projectrepresents the next phase of a 30,000-acre oceanfront developmentenvisioned by Cap Cana SA, an affiliate of leading Dominicanholding company Abrisa Group. Already, $1.5 billion has been spenton infrastructure and accommodations.

"Cap Cana has envisioned a bold luxury tourism and real estatedevelopment project that promises to be one of the most excitingnew destinations in the Caribbean," says Marriott International CEOJ.W. Marriott Jr. in announcing his company's participation.Besides the firm's Ritz-Carlton brand, Marriott expressed hope thatCap Cana will consider other Marriott flags for the complex as theproject matures.