The government has done a 180 degree turnaround in its tourism policy. Minister of Tourism, Felix Jim\u00e9nez, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
He explained that the government of President Leonel Fern\u00e1ndez 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
It is expected that joint projects between the private sector and the Ministry of Tourism will be developed.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The government has done a 180 degree turnaround in its tourism policy. Minister of Tourism, Felix Jim\u00e9nez, 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 … <\/p>\n