NewsWhore
02-14-2011, 01:30 PM
The Dominican Association of Tour Operators (OPETUR) has criticized plans by the Central Electoral Board (JCE) to make further increases on charges for weddings held in the DR. Elizabeth Tovar, president of Opetur, said that every wedding generates at least four hotel reservations and represents an important business segment for Dominican hotels. Last year, the JCE announced increases in all civil acts. The cost of marriage ceremonies away from civil registry offices, which is what most tourists opt for, was increased from RD$15,000 to RD$20,000 or approximately US$533, as reported in Hoy.
Tovar criticized the fact that this compares to US$200 in Jamaica, one of the DR's main competitors for this market segment. She said other countries charge even less: Mexico (Cancun) US$30, Bahamas US$120, Panama US$88.50, Costa Rica US$60, Aruba US$80, Curacao RD$18, Guatemala RD$50 and the US (Las Vegas) US$50.
She called on the DR to reduce rates at least to US$200, although this would still be the highest in the region. "We propose talks between the President of the Republic who evidently has not been informed of the consequences that these unfortunate measures will have".
She said that the loss of reservations for this key market segment also means a loss in sales of arts and crafts, excursions and dining.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#8)
Tovar criticized the fact that this compares to US$200 in Jamaica, one of the DR's main competitors for this market segment. She said other countries charge even less: Mexico (Cancun) US$30, Bahamas US$120, Panama US$88.50, Costa Rica US$60, Aruba US$80, Curacao RD$18, Guatemala RD$50 and the US (Las Vegas) US$50.
She called on the DR to reduce rates at least to US$200, although this would still be the highest in the region. "We propose talks between the President of the Republic who evidently has not been informed of the consequences that these unfortunate measures will have".
She said that the loss of reservations for this key market segment also means a loss in sales of arts and crafts, excursions and dining.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#8)