NewsWhore
11-21-2006, 04:30 PM
The tourism industry has come out staunchly against the reform, as has the private business sector. Luis Lopez, president of National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (Asonahores) speaking on a special program, "Let's talk about tourism," said that the reform would have an adverse effect on the tourism industry because most contracts are negotiated a year in advance, and thus the increase in costs cannot be passed onto the consumer. Lopez also complained about the fact that the 5% tax on hotel rooms was removed earlier in exchange for the 16% ITBIS (VAT) on the sector, which the President promised to reduce to 10% by 2007. But now on top of the 16% ITBIS tax there is the 5% tax on hotel rooms.
An event held last night for the three major private business groups failed to convince the business sector about the need for more taxes. Elena Viyella, president of the National Council for Business (Conep) said that the only thing that came out of the two-hour meeting was there would be another meeting, with the IMF, to discuss the matter. Viyella explained that no one in the private sector accepts the need for more taxes, and has continually urged the government for more fiscal responsibility if they want to get more money.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#4)
An event held last night for the three major private business groups failed to convince the business sector about the need for more taxes. Elena Viyella, president of the National Council for Business (Conep) said that the only thing that came out of the two-hour meeting was there would be another meeting, with the IMF, to discuss the matter. Viyella explained that no one in the private sector accepts the need for more taxes, and has continually urged the government for more fiscal responsibility if they want to get more money.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#4)