The Organization of Tour Operators (OPETUR) warned that the country could suffer cancellations of charters and tour groups if the departure tax is doubled. At present, the exit fee costs US$10, and according to the government proposal to the IMF, this would be raised to US$20 per head.
Teddy de Lara, president of OPETUR, which oversees the leading tour operators in the country, said summer programs would surely be affected.
De Lara lamented that the government did not consult the tourism sector prior to such concessions being offered in its proposal to the IMF.
?We have been through difficult years and while it is true that we are experiencing an increase in the number of travelers compared to last year, we are not yet back at the levels of three years ago,? said Lara.
He continued by saying the measure would only benefit the country?s competing destinations and urged the government to reconsider.
Asonahores, the leading hotel association in the Dominican Republic, has also protested the measure and criticized the fact that tourism executives were not consulted.