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Santo Domingo.- Despite initial hopes to finalize the regularization of Airbnb operations in the Dominican Republic in August 2022, the process remains pending. The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) continues to work towards formalizing the digital accommodation rental platform, with Minister David Collado expressing optimism about signing an agreement in the coming weeks, as reported by Diario Libre.
While no specific date was provided, Collado stated that the agreement with the Ministry of Tourism includes conditions for Airbnb to formalize its operations in the country. The General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) has also prepared a draft regulation governing the application of the Transfer Tax on Industrialized Goods and Services (ITBIS), which is now with the Executive Branch for review.
Collado emphasized that Airbnb has expressed its willingness to regularize its presence and operate legally in the Dominican Republic. Although an intent agreement was announced at the last International Tourism Fair (Fitur 2023), the final agreement is still pending confirmation. The Mitur remains hopeful that the process will move forward in the near future.
Suspect there is a lot in infighting among the players in MITUR as how to approach the regularization. The hotels and resorts will want to make it difficult for owners of airbnb’s to operate. They do not want the competition. They want a monopoly on accommodations, a captive market.
agreed – but I would say “most” people here on vacation prefer to be “behind the wall” at a resort…..
Most people do want the pampered treatment at the resorts. However, there are independent people who want the personal comfort and freedom of an airbnb without the resort helicopter staff hovering over their every move.
95% of those who have properties and rent with all these renta-sites are foreigners ,they do not pay any taxes here on the profit from rentals …they are taking from resorts and hotels who have to oblige and pay taxes .. why is this aloud ?!
95%? Maybe in Airbnb, but let’s not pretend Dominicans aren’t renting out properties. More than half the places I stay are owned by Dominicans, not foreigners.