Dominicans Bugged Over New Taxes Levied on Plane Tickets

The preference of Dominicans for traveling abroad has dwindled dramatically as a result of new taxed levied on plane tickets that have made flying a whole lot pricier, businessman Gustavo de Hostos was quoted as saying in local newspaper Hoy as he spoke on behalf on the Airlines Association.

Mr. Hostos explained that a family of six is now to pony up $1,596 in taxes. “This is way too high. A roundtrip plane ticket that sets you back $800 is saddled with $266.58 worth of new taxes,” he commented.

Mr. Hostos also blasted the Tourism Department´s attempts to levy an additional $5 tariff on foreign travelers visiting the country and on those who leave the national territory by plane.

The intentions of the Dominican Agriculture Ministry of establishing an additional tax ranging from $6 to $15 for every jetliner is also coming under fire in certain circles, Mr. Hostos went on to say.

“The Secretary of Tourism has announced the beginning of a competitive study that comprises the country´s different destinations, and I think that´s good,” he pointed out. “But this kind of action must be taken in coordination with other entities and the new tax policy must not necessarily be applied to all airlines.”