Listin Diario is reporting that from now on passengers who enter the Dominican Republic via airplane, charter or regular flights, will have to pay US$8 instead of the current fee of US$5. The US$3 increase will be used by the Ministry of Tourism to improve the tourism sector, as well as to tackle a range of pending issues and to enhance the infrastructure in the tourist areas. Decree 225-07 authorizing the 60% hike on 19 April explains that of the US$8 collected US$3 will be used to promote the country’s image, US$1 will be used to promote the country’s main tourist destinations and US$4 will be allotted to the Executing Committee of Infrastructure in Tourism Zones (Ceiztur), managed by the Ministry of Tourism. Since 2005 the “airport tax” has collected US$21.8 million. Several hotel groups believed it could lead to a decline in tourist numbers, but this hasn’t been the case. In addition, the tax paid by the airlines per passenger has been increased from US$12.50 per passenger to US$13.75 per passenger. Of the US$13.75 paid by the airlines US$4.50 will be paid directly to the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation, US$7 will be paid to Specialized Airport Security Corps, US$0.75 will be given to the Dominican Air Force, US$2.50 will be paid directly to the terminals for maintenance and US$1 will go to the private airports.