The government has done a 180 degree turnaround in its tourism policy. Minister of Tourism, Felix Jiménez, speaking during the opening of the X National Hotel & Restaurant Association Convention and Trade Show on September 25th, announced an increase of 266% in the regular budget for his Ministry and the creation of a US$10 million international promotion fund for 1997.
He explained that the government of President Leonel Fernández has authorized an increase in the monthly budget of the Ministry of Tourism from US$116,500 to US$310,800 for October, November, and December 1996. Starting in 1997, the Ministry of Tourism will receive US$777,000 a month.
The Fund for Institutional Promotion to push forward the tourism image of the country will be managed by the Ministry. It will be funded from 50% of the income generated by the sale of tourist cards (a form of temporary visa) to visitors, and by the tax levied on charter flights.
For the remaining weeks of 1996, the fund will have about US$3 million available for international tourism promotion. The monies will be spent on publicity and public relations campaigns. They will also serve to equip and staff the tourist offices abroad.
The Ministry also announced it will be using US$300,000 to improve beach and vacation areas and for the training of the tourism police, so they can also serve as tour guides.
The presidential decree that creates the international promotion fund states that the National Hotel & Restaurant Association will serve as a consulting body to the Ministry of Tourism.
The National Hotel & Restaurant Association applauded the announcements made by the government and said that the allotment of funds to the Ministry and the creation of the fund for international promotion are a significant change in government policy. “This is the best news that our tourist industry has received in many years,” said a spokesman for the hoteliers.
It is expected that joint projects between the private sector and the Ministry of Tourism will be developed.