Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.- Playa Dorada Hotels, Condos and Business Association president Roberto Cassoni on Monday called “regrettable” the Government’s and Congress’ attitude as “an unnecessary annoyance by a sector they believe has all the money in the world,” when they seek some concessions, tax break on fuel or fees, to avert their collapse.

The hotelier said the Government’s and Congress’ attitude reveals a lack of understanding of tourism’s importance for the economy and is concerned that the Tourism Ministry isn’t getting the 10 dollars from the tax on tourists, funds he said can be used to promote the country. “Despite the little support from Government and Congress I’m not going to throw in the towel and I’ll continue fighting so the Tourism Ministry seeks a solution to the problem of the vendors and the pedestrian streets.”

Cassoni, quoted by puertoplatahabla.com, affirmed that despite the efforts by the Playa Dorada and Puerto Plata hoteliers to solve the destination’s problems, many still believe that “nothing is being done”.

He added that the Puerto Plata hoteliers will continue fighting to progress from the current and outdated all included hotel model, to the inclusive model for Puerto Plata and the North Coast.