Johnny Bernal, president of the National Hotel & Restaurant Association (Asonahores), said that the Dominican hotel industry is one of the most adversely affected by the new import charges. ?We have always advocated that the tourism sector receive special export treatment for its products, such as rugs, tableware, and others,? said Bernal. He explained further that goods that may be considered luxury items to consumers, are nothing more than raw materials for the tourism industry. He said that destinations that compete with the Dominican Republic in the tourism arena grant these imports preferential treatment.