Santo Domingo.– Despite not being leader in
tourism quality or in competitiveness, the Dominican tourism industry shows growing
figures from September last year, although at a moderate pace. In spite of
being the number one Caribbean destination, hoteliers are
worried about taxes and slums in tourist areas.
According to some experts,
the new strategy must take into account the infrastructure costs and expenses and
the issues related to taxes. Dominican hoteliers think it is extremely
difficult to pass the tax on to the tourist as the final consumer, since there
is no way to oblige him to pay it for he does not live in the country.
But despite of the growth
of slums and lack of infrastructure, social stability and personal safety, tourism
contributes US$4.2 billion in hard currency to the country, it generates
196,000 jobs and the current number of hotel rooms is 67,393.
Written by: Atabey, 14 Aug 2010 10:42 AM
From: United States
Wow! And this is news. It's been going on for many years. Why the owners and government officials didn't see this coming is amazing. Puerto Plata is but the most glaring example of this outcome. Failure to plan accordingly. Poor Infrastructure planning and the aggrandizement of slum conditions around tourist poles.
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
Only 4.2 billion dollars ......where is dread with his pitchfork to drive these exploiters into the sea
Written by: dkd465, 14 Aug 2010 10:57 AM
From: Canada
Is there a hospitality tax charged on top of the hotel cost? If not, this could be implemented with the proceeds going to an infrastructure program. Or , and the hoteliers might not like this, increase the taxes hotels pay. This will force the hoteliers to charge their guests more money, which would pay for the improvements to the infrastructure.
Written by: skysail, 14 Aug 2010 10:58 AM
From: Libya
Slums , Drugs, Prostitutes, theft, aggressive Beach-Timeshare vendors all this does not help ........
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
dkd the ndp from Canada sees the solution as raising the taxes ......he probably works for the government .....Socialist ice farmers are their own worst enemies
Written by: zooma, 14 Aug 2010 12:33 PM
From: United States
The slums are not going away. The government has passed on many waivers of taxes on the tourism industry as an incentive for growth. However, the monetary benefits of the incentives have not trickled-down to the communities. The gains are sent to off shore banks, never to see reinvestment in the DR.
The future growth of the country demands fair and equitable distribution of tourist revenue towards elimination of the conditions that create slums. The government should waive taxes on the tourism industry when the industry has incentives to provide financial support to community development outside of their industry.
From: Dominican Republic
Forget the slums...what we need in Bavaro is a local government that is apart from La Altagracia. One that THINKS in a worldly way....not a "get elected, never to be seen or heard from until the next 6 months leading up to an election" typical politician here.
An obvious case of WTF,,,,is the miles of sidewalks on roads that lead to nowhere, all the while major roads with businesses such as Calle Espana and the roads through Cortecito where both tourists and residents could walk, thus supporting other businesses and generating local taxes are left with rough and tumble state....really impressive for those visiting. No local police...Politur does next to nothing in the residential areas....I did see a truck drive through 2 weeks ago, but that was due to a road blockage on the main route.
From: United States, Brooklyn
BS.. These Hoteliers are already getting a freaking deal... TAXE'EM UP THEIR ASSES
If they want a better deal, they can go to Haiti!!!
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
carlito you better hope they do go to Haiti or the DR will be carrying to many Haitians,......you forget that up until the 60s Haiti was a preferred destination not the DR
Written by: Rainman, 14 Aug 2010 2:20 PM
From: United States
Until the gov. and the hoteliers realize either by choice or by force that they need to invest some of their profits into the surounding areas including helping develpe local communities where their hotels are, there wont be a safe enviroment to prosper for the business and the visiting public.
It is sad to see many of these hotels sitting in the middle of communities lacking the basics ie: Cayacoa and the other ones in Samana, not to mention the recentment on the part of the local community by not being allowed into any of these properties owned by foreing investors.
Written by: dkd465, 14 Aug 2010 2:34 PM
From: Canada
Blutarsky,
I am not a socialist, but I am proud of the programs that Canada offers, and the quality of life we enjoy. I am not a government worker and don't like to pay tax, but I am willing to pay taxes to be comfortable and healthy.
Do you have any suggestions as to how to deal with the issue or are your talents best suited for merely putting down others' ideas?
From: United States, new jersey
they worry about the slums of the dominicans, it you think DR is bad why don't you try the slums of jamaica lmao
Written by: dkd465, 14 Aug 2010 4:10 PM
From: Canada
Blutarsky,
to what fall might you be referring? Canada's economy is strong and very stable. I am not trying to gloat and do not want to insult the Dominican, I only made a suggestion. In an economy so heavily dependant upon tourism, it makes sense that the communities drawing the tourists should benefit as well, not only the hoteliers.
Again, you have not provided any positive comments, but thank you for showing us all how intelligent you are. Maybe you are one of the government officials who is impeding progress by only condemning others' ideas and offering up none of your own?
If we must show how important we are by using the words of others without citing our sources:
If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
yes dkd ..there is a bed tax here in the DR...but I think it is a fixed rate and should be a percentage rate with a minimum
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
you have a lot to be proud of like Howie Mandel and Trivial Pursuit and especially the little arm on the space craft .........dkd of the ndp
Written by: walnut, 14 Aug 2010 5:10 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Homeless
Why is it the responsibility of the hotel owners to improve the conditions of the urban areas?
To raise taxes, while an easy response, is not the answer.
My taxes have doubled in the last few years with no improvement visible.
To blame or assign the responsibilty of overhauling the entire society to a business or individual through taxes is insane.
This situation is like having a bucket with many holes and trying to fill the bucket with water.
No matter how much water is poured into the top unless you plug the holes, the bucket will always be empty.
Fix the system first. Efficiency and competence are essential, too.
Written by: juanb, 14 Aug 2010 6:45 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Hey ricardolito:
Hey your dirty little secret is out. And apparently you are not doing a very good job:
Government loses credibility
In a column in today's Hoy newspaper, Fabio Herrera-Minino comments that the government's main strategists are concerned that their ENORMOUS INVESTMENT IN PAID JOURNALISTS for articles, COMMENTARIES, workshops, panels, etc. is not getting through to public opinion, which is getting more and more skeptical by the day about what the government does and says. He says that government officials' luxurious and high-spending way of life contrasts with the image of austerity and frugality that the government should be projecting.
Written by: abc200, 14 Aug 2010 6:56 PM
From: United Kingdom, Dominican Republic
A much larger national housing program is needed.
Such as was started in Hong Kong in 1975.
Also new villages organised round power/water supplies rather than uncontrolled urban sprawl.
S.
Written by: lovingit, 15 Aug 2010 1:14 AM
From: United States, Delaware
set up an income tax method and the goverment will have plenty of money to fix the infrastructure.
Written by: judidr, 15 Aug 2010 10:12 AM
From: Canada
Check out this video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3As9FH-jv78&feature=youtube_gdataThe barrio is smack in the middle of a very popular tourist destination At least 90% of the businesses in this town are owned by foreign investors. Granted now with the economy as it is they are struggling to survive,but for many years this was a very profitable town. Yet everyone choose to close a blind eye on this situation. For the record this candidate lost the election,despite having many of the votes on side.Too involved in improving the Dominican community! There are those who want to make a difference ,unfortunitly they are not the ones making the money.
Written by: anthonyC, 15 Aug 2010 2:09 PM
From: United States
Written by: judidr, 15 Aug 2010 10:12 AM
"but for many years this was a very profitable town. Yet everyone choose to close a blind eye on this situation."
What were they suppose to do? They Provided jobs. They drove the economy. They Paid taxes. What? Now they are suppose to support everyone?
BTW How much you want to bet that barrio is made up of squatters who don't own the land and steal electricity?
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
Tony the grouch should crush this trash under his boot heel ...or grind them under the wheels of his carriage as he drives by with the blinds drawn
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
juanb yet again you are unable to tell the tell the difference between fact and fiction and I can tell you first hand, without the smallest amount of doubt, that I have never worked as journalist for any one anywhere and I guard my independence to the highest degree ..but I think that we are all accustomed to your accusations against people without any foundation or evidence
Written by: anthonyC, 15 Aug 2010 4:56 PM
From: United States
Written by: Blutarsky,
"Tony the grouch should crush this trash under his boot heel ...or grind them under the wheels of his carriage as he drives by with the blinds drawn"
Give me a break!
How many who inhabit the "barrios" are fine, upstanding members of society? How many pay for their water or electricity? How many are able bodied yet don't work or even try to make an honest living?
I am all for helping the truly needy. The Handicapped, the mentally disabled, The victims of disaster. but when you have young able-bodied people living off the production of others I have no sympathy.
Written by: rbrayan, 15 Aug 2010 9:10 PM
From: Dominican Republic
And thats only taxes & slums causing disservice to our much needed tourism industry which not only generates $4.2 Bil. but it's a major contributer to other florishing industries. Lets wait for the era of cack babies and hard cord heroin addicts. With the economic condition of the majority of our population we cannot allow not to educate our young people in understanding the drastic harm that drug use can cause to our society. Worst yet, to them.
Written by: Lopez31, 16 Aug 2010 11:13 AM
From: United States
We should pray that Cuba stays in a communist regime and that puerto ricon remains a commmon wealth because its good for our PATRIA.
Written by: Rainman, 16 Aug 2010 11:42 AM
From: United States
I think hoteliers have a social responsibility of improving the surrounding communities, instead of just using the resources and running with the profits without giving anything back .
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
The tax part of this story reminds me of why an island country with hundreds of miles of coastline located in a super geographical position basically has no yachting industry.
Rentas Internas wants to tax boat owners into oblivian thus stifiling a multy billion dollar industry that can provide thousands of jobs.
South Florida moves 10.2 billion dollars annually in the boating industry. Drop the duty to attract the boats and watch what happens. Businesses will appear instantly that support the boating industry.
R.I. will realize huge amounts of tax revenues from all of the related businesses and jobs created.
It's happening in other caribbean countrys, why not here? It's not rocket science.
Written by: Rainman, 16 Aug 2010 12:30 PM
From: United States
It is sad to see the beautiful marina at Ocean World empty. Such a magnificent location and yet they dont seem to be able to profit due to the taxes imposed on the yacht's.
Written by: BASTA, 16 Aug 2010 1:54 PM
From: Dominican Republic, =Ghetto/Legalize Drugs
Do not foget the piles of Garbage every where
Written by: anthonyC, 16 Aug 2010 2:56 PM
From: United States
"Written by: Rainman,
I think hoteliers have a social responsibility of improving the surrounding communities, instead of just using the resources and running with the profits without giving anything back ."
Why?
Written by: anthonyC, 16 Aug 2010 3:03 PM
From: United States
Easy rider.
Actually the DR is in a poor position for the boating industry. The North Coast is bypassed because it is easier for boats to shoot through the Turks and Caicos then drop down to the PR. The South Coast isn't on any major path for pleasure boaters. Commercial routes yes.
The vast majority of the $10.2 Billion $$$ South Florida Boating industry is for people who never take their boats from withing sight of land.
Even if you could attract a small % to the DR who are you going to get to work that industry? Modern Boat motors are similar to auto engines in that they rely heavily on technology. The days of the Shade Tree mechanic are fading away.
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
the flotillas that invade every year the seas of the Lesser Antilles could be convinced to stop .....if the DR was famous for hospitable in and out and not the shakedowns of the past .......it will take a long time to overcome the reputation it holds ....But these lovely new marinas that are being built are a step in the right direction ..... and Keep the guns out of site
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
Rainman you can now read what great social responsibilities AnthonyC has ...,,your view is a very reasonable one and you can see outside some resorts,such as Guavaberry , Casa de Campo ,and Hamaca , some very clean and attractive areas . and to have surrounding communities living in reasonable conditions is far better than to have them living in slums ,It is good to see people with a desire to do good things for others .Like generals were taught in the war , first give water to the horses , then the men and finally yourself .
Written by: anthonyC, 16 Aug 2010 4:30 PM
From: United States
Blutarsky,
And how would you convince them to stop? Remember that the DR has a lousy reputation among Caribbean cruisers.
Written by: anthonyC, 16 Aug 2010 4:37 PM
From: United States
Written by: Ricardolito,
"Rainman you can now read what great social responsibilities AnthonyC has"
How dare you? What a pretentious, holier than thou attitude you have.
Who the F*ck are you to tell me who I should or should not help? What makes you think you have any right to tell me what is right?
I provide jobs that put money in people's pockets, food on their table and a chance to get ahead in life.
Your philosophy is to take from others to give people just enough to survive but not enough to get out of their whole and then you go and proclaim that you are a man of the people and display your, euphemistically called, "Social responsibility"
So go and tell your friends what a great person you are. But remember I know the truth.
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
It is true the DR has and had a lousy reputation for cruisers ......that can change with work......better facilities less red tape and lower costs can all work in the DRs favor if a goal is set NOW
Written by: anthonyC, 16 Aug 2010 7:06 PM
From: United States
Written by: Blutarsky,
"that can change with work......better facilities less red tape and lower costs can all work in the DRs favor if a goal is set NOW "
You can say that about nearly every industry in the DR and yet.......nada!
Written by: Rainman, 17 Aug 2010 4:45 PM
From: United States
AnthonyC:
Your insults are only as big as your ignorance so there is no need to curse while is ok to disagree with a particular point of view.
First ask any tourist about the Dominican Republic and the answer is always the same " the resorts are beautiful but our ride in was terrible due to poor roads and deplorable conditions around".
Most tourist are afraid to venture out of the protection of the walled resorts keeping them from spending money in the surrounding communities. I think the investors should be given incentives to invest in their local communities, Such as matching funds by either the gov. or charity organizations, or tax incentives.
All will benefit from this....but then again you wouldn't understand and I don't expect you to .
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
anthonyC we know your creed as you have posted enough times for everyone to know you do not care a damn about anyone except your self ,,we have read from you that you are against any form of social assistance to the less fortunate so I will tell you that your life is valueless until you open your eyes to others ...and that is not being pretentious as you obviously do not understand the word
Written by: anthonyC, 17 Aug 2010 6:14 PM
From: United States
Ricardolito,
I am sure I have helped more people, Fed more, healed more and cared more than you can even concoct in your mind that you have.
My life if of the greatest value as are the lives of others, I value the individual. I help those who help themselves and ignore those who don't as they should be ignored. I don't pass off guilt by letting others do it for me.
I ask you. How many jobs have you created? Not the company you work for but YOU! How many people have YOU fed? How many people have YOU provided healthcare for? How many people have YOU put through college? How many handicapped people have YOU helped lead a normal life and be a productive member of society?
You! Not some government program. Not some charity you write a check for and then feel good about yourself. YOU!!!!
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
I am glad you are starting to moderate your views as written in your postings and I am glad you are helping others ..
in your relation to your question, I do not write cheques to charities and without categorising those who have received assistance ...hundreds and I still do , I was raised with an ethic of giving ..but I am now very old so maybe it is now easier for me when I have few family responsibilities.
Written by: anthonyC, 17 Aug 2010 10:56 PM
From: United States
Written by: Ricardolito, n
"I am glad you are starting to moderate your views as written in your postings and I am glad you are helping others .."
Quite wrong you are........Any help i provide is purely out of selfishness.
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The slums are not going away. The government has passed on many waivers of taxes on the tourism industry as an incentive for growth. However, the monetary benefits of the incentives have not trickled-down to the communities. The gains are sent to off shore banks, never to see reinvestment in the DR.
The future growth of the country demands fair and equitable distribution of tourist revenue towards elimination of the conditions that create slums. The government should waive taxes on the tourism industry when the industry has incentives to provide financial support to community development outside of their industry.
An obvious case of WTF,,,,is the miles of sidewalks on roads that lead to nowhere, all the while major roads with businesses such as Calle Espana and the roads through Cortecito where both tourists and residents could walk, thus supporting other businesses and generating local taxes are left with rough and tumble state....really impressive for those visiting. No local police...Politur does next to nothing in the residential areas....I did see a truck drive through 2 weeks ago, but that was due to a road blockage on the main route.
BS.. These Hoteliers are already getting a freaking deal... TAXE'EM UP THEIR ASSES
If they want a better deal, they can go to Haiti!!!
It is sad to see many of these hotels sitting in the middle of communities lacking the basics ie: Cayacoa and the other ones in Samana, not to mention the recentment on the part of the local community by not being allowed into any of these properties owned by foreing investors.
I am not a socialist, but I am proud of the programs that Canada offers, and the quality of life we enjoy. I am not a government worker and don't like to pay tax, but I am willing to pay taxes to be comfortable and healthy.
Do you have any suggestions as to how to deal with the issue or are your talents best suited for merely putting down others' ideas?
to what fall might you be referring? Canada's economy is strong and very stable. I am not trying to gloat and do not want to insult the Dominican, I only made a suggestion. In an economy so heavily dependant upon tourism, it makes sense that the communities drawing the tourists should benefit as well, not only the hoteliers.
Again, you have not provided any positive comments, but thank you for showing us all how intelligent you are. Maybe you are one of the government officials who is impeding progress by only condemning others' ideas and offering up none of your own?
If we must show how important we are by using the words of others without citing our sources:
If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.
To raise taxes, while an easy response, is not the answer.
My taxes have doubled in the last few years with no improvement visible.
To blame or assign the responsibilty of overhauling the entire society to a business or individual through taxes is insane.
This situation is like having a bucket with many holes and trying to fill the bucket with water.
No matter how much water is poured into the top unless you plug the holes, the bucket will always be empty.
Fix the system first. Efficiency and competence are essential, too.
Hey your dirty little secret is out. And apparently you are not doing a very good job:
Government loses credibility
In a column in today's Hoy newspaper, Fabio Herrera-Minino comments that the government's main strategists are concerned that their ENORMOUS INVESTMENT IN PAID JOURNALISTS for articles, COMMENTARIES, workshops, panels, etc. is not getting through to public opinion, which is getting more and more skeptical by the day about what the government does and says. He says that government officials' luxurious and high-spending way of life contrasts with the image of austerity and frugality that the government should be projecting.
Such as was started in Hong Kong in 1975.
Also new villages organised round power/water supplies rather than uncontrolled urban sprawl.
S.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3As9FH-jv78&feature=youtube_gdata
The barrio is smack in the middle of a very popular tourist destination At least 90% of the businesses in this town are owned by foreign investors. Granted now with the economy as it is they are struggling to survive,but for many years this was a very profitable town. Yet everyone choose to close a blind eye on this situation. For the record this candidate lost the election,despite having many of the votes on side.Too involved in improving the Dominican community! There are those who want to make a difference ,unfortunitly they are not the ones making the money.
Written by: judidr, 15 Aug 2010 10:12 AM
"but for many years this was a very profitable town. Yet everyone choose to close a blind eye on this situation."
What were they suppose to do? They Provided jobs. They drove the economy. They Paid taxes. What? Now they are suppose to support everyone?
BTW How much you want to bet that barrio is made up of squatters who don't own the land and steal electricity?
Written by: Blutarsky,
"Tony the grouch should crush this trash under his boot heel ...or grind them under the wheels of his carriage as he drives by with the blinds drawn"
Give me a break!
How many who inhabit the "barrios" are fine, upstanding members of society? How many pay for their water or electricity? How many are able bodied yet don't work or even try to make an honest living?
I am all for helping the truly needy. The Handicapped, the mentally disabled, The victims of disaster. but when you have young able-bodied people living off the production of others I have no sympathy.
Rentas Internas wants to tax boat owners into oblivian thus stifiling a multy billion dollar industry that can provide thousands of jobs.
South Florida moves 10.2 billion dollars annually in the boating industry. Drop the duty to attract the boats and watch what happens. Businesses will appear instantly that support the boating industry.
R.I. will realize huge amounts of tax revenues from all of the related businesses and jobs created.
It's happening in other caribbean countrys, why not here? It's not rocket science.
"Written by: Rainman,
I think hoteliers have a social responsibility of improving the surrounding communities, instead of just using the resources and running with the profits without giving anything back ."
Why?
Easy rider.
Actually the DR is in a poor position for the boating industry. The North Coast is bypassed because it is easier for boats to shoot through the Turks and Caicos then drop down to the PR. The South Coast isn't on any major path for pleasure boaters. Commercial routes yes.
The vast majority of the $10.2 Billion $$$ South Florida Boating industry is for people who never take their boats from withing sight of land.
Even if you could attract a small % to the DR who are you going to get to work that industry? Modern Boat motors are similar to auto engines in that they rely heavily on technology. The days of the Shade Tree mechanic are fading away.
Blutarsky,
And how would you convince them to stop? Remember that the DR has a lousy reputation among Caribbean cruisers.
Written by: Ricardolito,
"Rainman you can now read what great social responsibilities AnthonyC has"
How dare you? What a pretentious, holier than thou attitude you have.
Who the F*ck are you to tell me who I should or should not help? What makes you think you have any right to tell me what is right?
I provide jobs that put money in people's pockets, food on their table and a chance to get ahead in life.
Your philosophy is to take from others to give people just enough to survive but not enough to get out of their whole and then you go and proclaim that you are a man of the people and display your, euphemistically called, "Social responsibility"
So go and tell your friends what a great person you are. But remember I know the truth.
Written by: Blutarsky,
"that can change with work......better facilities less red tape and lower costs can all work in the DRs favor if a goal is set NOW "
You can say that about nearly every industry in the DR and yet.......nada!
Your insults are only as big as your ignorance so there is no need to curse while is ok to disagree with a particular point of view.
First ask any tourist about the Dominican Republic and the answer is always the same " the resorts are beautiful but our ride in was terrible due to poor roads and deplorable conditions around".
Most tourist are afraid to venture out of the protection of the walled resorts keeping them from spending money in the surrounding communities. I think the investors should be given incentives to invest in their local communities, Such as matching funds by either the gov. or charity organizations, or tax incentives.
All will benefit from this....but then again you wouldn't understand and I don't expect you to .
Ricardolito,
I am sure I have helped more people, Fed more, healed more and cared more than you can even concoct in your mind that you have.
My life if of the greatest value as are the lives of others, I value the individual. I help those who help themselves and ignore those who don't as they should be ignored. I don't pass off guilt by letting others do it for me.
I ask you. How many jobs have you created? Not the company you work for but YOU! How many people have YOU fed? How many people have YOU provided healthcare for? How many people have YOU put through college? How many handicapped people have YOU helped lead a normal life and be a productive member of society?
You! Not some government program. Not some charity you write a check for and then feel good about yourself. YOU!!!!
in your relation to your question, I do not write cheques to charities and without categorising those who have received assistance ...hundreds and I still do , I was raised with an ethic of giving ..but I am now very old so maybe it is now easier for me when I have few family responsibilities.
Written by: Ricardolito, n
"I am glad you are starting to moderate your views as written in your postings and I am glad you are helping others .."
Quite wrong you are........Any help i provide is purely out of selfishness.