DHTA welcomes measures to boost tourism industry in 2016/17 budget

​The Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) is commending the Government on the Tourism related items announced in the 2016/17 budget address  describing it as measures to boost the tourism economy.
 
Among the measures are, a $15 million dollar low-interest facility to target the upgrade or expansion of existing hotels, with a 3% interest rate and 1 year grace period on interest and principal.
 
In conjunction with the low-interest facility, the Government also approved critical adjustments to the fiscal incentives regime to support reinvestment in the upgrade or expansion of existing hotels and also increased the destination marketing budget to $8.5 million dollars.
DHTA President, Gregor Nassief, says this demonstrates Government's commitment to tourism.
 
“These measures, in our view, demonstrate the Government’s commitment to tourism as a key driver of the country’s economic development as well as the on-going need for extensive public-private sector engagement and partnership in moving the country forward.” said Nassief.
The DHTA also notes the adjustment of the VAT registration threshold, which they say will directly benefit tourism small businesses.