Asonahores warns higher airfare fees could hurt Dominican tourism

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association is urging the government to review recent increases in passenger transport fees, warning that rising travel costs could undermine the country’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

Speaking at the Americas Investment Forum 2026, Asonahores Executive Vice President Aguie Lendor said airfares to and from the Dominican Republic are already less competitive than those of other Caribbean and Latin American destinations. He cautioned that while individual fee increases may appear modest, their cumulative impact could influence travelers’ destination choices.

Lendor acknowledged the government’s need to raise revenue but stressed that authorities should carefully assess the effect of higher passenger charges on tourism, which accounts for an estimated 16% to 18% of the country’s GDP and supports more than 800,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs. Asonahores called for a comprehensive review of the country’s airfare-related taxes and fees to help preserve the Dominican Republic’s appeal to international visitors.