ASONAHORES, Dominican Government Signed Major Agreement

The National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (ASONAHORES) has reached an agreement with the Dominican government aimed at fostering the development of tourism.

Dominican President Leonel Fernandez said the accord not only benefits the tourism sector but also the country´s economic and social development.

According to local newspaper El Caribe, the document, as read by ASONAHORES president Enrique de Marchena Kaluche, states that tourism is the productive activity with the broadest economic repercussions in that Caribbean country.

The agreement includes a different VAT (ITBIS) rate for hotel rooms, which cannot be higher than 10 percent. It also allows for a once a year tax-free rate for “the replacement of equipment necessary to maintain and optimum quality of service.

Diario Libre indicates that the government and ASONAHORES agree to follow a common agenda to work on the sector´s problems and promote a quick and safe development of tourism in the country.