During the first semester of this year, the DR received 7.26% more passengers by air, which represent 109,882 additional visitors compared to the same period in 2004, an increase similar to the previous year of 108,093 when compared to 2003. Listin Diario reports that the Executive Director of the Association for the Tourist Development of Juan Dolio and Guayacanes, Radhames Martinez Aponte, said that this growth is a result of the promotional work by the Ministry of Tourism. However, he pointed out that the lower sales prices during that period and the increase of taxes have contributed to making the industry less profitable. During this period, Punta Cana and Las Americas airports experienced 65% growth of visitors and 66% growth of total arrivals whereas figures from Puerto Plata airport showed a decrease of 0.27 during the same period. The US market has maintained its growth rate at 11.49%. A report shows that 50% of foreign visitors to the DR come from the US.