In Punta Cana, the Asonahores.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Hotel and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic, ASONAHORES, reported that 10 percent of the government’s tax revenues come from the tourism industry. Notedly, in 2022, the taxes collected from the tourism sector exceeded RD$155 billion.
This information was shared at the launch of the XXXVI Commercial Exhibition, a significant business hub that brings together tourism sector suppliers and businesses. The event, held at BlueMall Puntacana until October 11, was inaugurated by the Vice President of the Republic, Raquel Peña, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, and the ASONAHORES business community.
ASONAHORES’ President David Llibre elaborated that each peso exempted from tourism taxes results in 12 pesos returned to the economy, thanks to the industry’s productive chain dynamism. This cycle leads to the purchase of goods and services amounting to 139 billion pesos.
Llibre stressed, “All purchases made by the tourism industry of registered goods and services are chargeable under ITBIS. We advocate for enhancing, not abolishing, the existing fiscal framework supporting the tourism sector to keep attracting investment. This in turn, boosts the growth of the industry and continually increases contribution to the national treasury.“
Additionally, Llibre noted that the Dominican’s tourism sector plays a crucial role in attracting a sizable foreign direct investment, approximately 30 percent of the foreign currency generated by the Dominican economy. Consequently, it’s a leading driver in maintaining the country’s exchange stability.
ASONAHORES detailed that to amplify the influx of two million visitors, $5 billion in foreign investment is needed. Achieving this goal is plausible only with the current legislation.
“ Incentives from CONFOTUR should target projects that offer a minimum number of direct jobs per room, assure improved working conditions for direct collaborators, promote renewable energy use, display a reuse plan for irrigation water and solid waste recovery, make long-term renewal investments, and show commitment to their community’s social responsibility,” Llibre suggested.
The XXXVI Commercial Exhibition aims to acknowledge the tourism productive chain. Aguie Lendor, the executive vice president of Asonahores, stated that, through the Exhibition, they aspire to stimulate productive chain development, fortify commercial ties, and encourage sustainable tourism growth to benefit all players in the tourism industry.
The Asonahores Commercial Exhibition is supported by various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism; Punta Cana – Macao Energy Consortium, CEPM; Dominican Popular Bank; INTESOL CORPORATION; Banreservas; INDUBAN; Dominican course; Therrestra; Novotecnic Dominicana; BHD Bank; SGC, Services, Guarantee and Quality; Blue Planet; Banco López de Haro; Construction Company of the Country, CODELPA; Dominican Wood Importer, IMDOMACA; Finishes and Paints, Sherwin-Williams Paints; Viega; Vertex; Aquasport; Reid & Company; Trucks; BM Cargo; NTD Ingredients; Oldach Trading; INTELCA; Induveca; Puntacana Group; Nestlé Dominicana; TCO Networks; Equimax; National Institute of Vocational Technical Training, INFOTEP; Dominican IMCA; Bii Dominicana; Servex Dominicana; McCain Foods Limited; DMK Lawyers; QA Legal and Michel Abreú Abogados.
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