The Dominica Association of Travel Agencies and Tourism (ADAVI) again appeals to the government to reconsider the high taxes and high airport and security charges levied on fares to and from the Dominican Republic. ADAVI vice president Edison Urena says that there are times when the fare is more than 50% of the cost of the ticket. He commented in the item published today in the Listin Diario, that those visiting the country have to pay a 16% ITBIS tax on the fare, plus US$20 surcharge to Civil Aviation Board, US$25 to Aerodom for the use of the airport, US$20 departure tax.
On Monday, in an editorial, the Listin Diario had urged that the government consider reducing the taxes on fares.
He mentioned that in some cases of reduced fares, such as travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico travelers can end up paying more in taxes and airport charges than the actual fare.
The high taxes, security and airport charges have resulted in the country losing the lucrative tourist market of airline employees that can travel free (with only the space available limitation), but have to pay taxes and airport charges, which in the case of the DR most of the time discourage the visit.s