The country’s “all inclusive” is the most expensive, top hotelier says

Santo Domingo- The president of Dominican Republic’s Hotels and Tourism Association (Asonahores) on Tuesday said the country’s “all inclusive” lodging is more expensive than in other countries, citing Mexico as an example.

Luis Emilio Rodríguez Amiama said that’s the sector’s main challenge to regain competitiveness, so the country can reach president Danilo Medina’s announced goal of 10 million tourists by 2022.

In his view, the recovery of competitiveness is a task for both the public sector and private.

Speaking in the Dominican Tourism Annual Forum (Fodatur) to review the objectives, strategies and sector planning, the business leader said he agrees with the Tourism Ministry’s strategic goals, such as an environmentally sustainable tourism development, improved economic competitiveness of tourism businesses and safer destinations.

Rodriguez added that another factor which harms tourism’s competitiveness is the high cost of jet fuel.