DR hotel occupancy rate is dropping....

[Mirador]

According to ASONAHORES, hotel occupancy rate has dropped dramatically from last year (2006-2007). Here’s some figures, by region in percentage points…

Boca Chica/Juan Dolio .….. –3.8%
Sosua/Cabarete….. –4.4%
Samaná……. –8.2%
Puerto Plata….. –1.6%
Romana/Bayahibe….. –1.4%


DIARIOLIBRE

[jruane44]

This could be because of passports now needed from US to DR. I'm sure someone else will chime in about the increase of crime.

[Beads]

Look at the increase in flight costs and taxes.

People used to look at the DR as a cheap vacation compared to a lot of other places but its becoming so it isnt . When the costs of the airfare and taxes to come to the DR are the same or even higher than a lot of other destinations people will visit other places.

Prices of everything keep going up both in the DR and peoples home countries also. Take into account the crappy situation the US economy is in which brings in a lot of tourist money and you have a bad combination.

[cobraboy]

Over supply of rooms?

I agree somewhat with Beads. The DR marketed itself as an inexpensive paradise. It no longer is, and other options are now available for equal tourist dollars elsewhere.

I wonder if the increase in crime has attracted the attention of travel agents, too, and they may be recommending other places.

I disagree about the US economy. Virtually every economic indicator is high and inflation is low..

[batich]

Originally Posted by Mirador

According to ASONAHORES, hotel occupancy rate has dropped dramatically from last year (2006-2007). Here’s some figures, by region in percentage points…

Boca Chica/Juan Dolio .….. –3.8%
Sosua/Cabarete….. –4.4%
Samaná……. –8.2%
Puerto Plata….. –1.6%
Romana/Bayahibe….. –1.4%


DIARIOLIBRE

Would be interesting to see data on Punta Cana - the biggest rip-off of all. From taxi - $25-$30 even a very short trip between two resorts, to rent car (up to $100 per day easy) and "company" (two-three times higher than even in Sosua).

Some European friends recently spent on their vacation about 50% more than it would cost them in Cote d`Azur.

[Beads]

Originally Posted by cobraboy

I disagree about the US economy. Virtually every economic indicator is high and inflation is low..

My reasonings being fuel costs are at an almost all time high raising the prices of almost all goods.

Payscales are not keeping up with this to any extent.

Now throw in the sub prime issues with peoples homes. There are more homes currently for sale in some of the biggest real estate markets in the US and their costs are far lower than they were last year. I see houses that were selling for 600,000 now for sale for 400,000 and theres tons of them.

Foreclosures are everywhere and people are scared the prices will drop more so the house flippers are scared to invest.

For a lot of people their homes value is one of their major long term investments. If their home is losing value their losing money on one of their most important long term investments.

Yea Bush and his financial analysts say the economy is doing great but if you dont have major assets in oil companies like him and his cronies your not raking in the windfalls of cash they currently are and will probably be seeing things a little more from my perspective.


Just my 0.02.

[KateP]

We also have to take into account that things in Cancun, Mexico are back up to speed and they've even opened new hotels with big promotion for the area. Along with all of the below mentioned, it's affected us a bit.

[Ladybird]

A friend, who is one of a group of young Canadians who have given up and left, told me weeks ago, that his pal at the airport said this last tourist season, over 600 flights from Canada were cancelled. My complex is normally full in the season, this year there were many empty apartments, the snowbirds didnt come. Also didnt anyone notice that the streets were relatively quiet compared to previous seasons. Normally you cant move in Cabarete, this year is was different.

Its sad - for all of us

[cobraboy]

Originally Posted by Beads

Yea Bush and his financial analysts say the economy is doing great but if you dont have major assets in oil companies like him and his cronies your not raking in the windfalls of cash they currently are and will probably be seeing things a little more from my perspective.


Just my 0.02.

Not bashing, but you don't have a strong background in economics, do you?

There are many independant economists who would disagree with you.

Do you know what % of the world's oil companies are US based and owned?

Feel free to bash anyone, but at least do it armed with facts.

[batich]

Originally Posted by Ladybird

A friend, who is one of a group of young Canadians who have given up and left, told me weeks ago, that his pal at the airport said this last tourist season, over 600 flights from Canada were cancelled. My complex is normally full in the season, this year there were many empty apartments, the snowbirds didnt come. Also didnt anyone notice that the streets were relatively quiet compared to previous seasons. Normally you cant move in Cabarete, this year is was different.

Its sad - for all of us

Why is it sad?!

Do you prefer crowd, noise and contamination/garbage associated with the influx of tourists?
Do tens of thousands of tourists do good for the coastal ecology and quality of life?

I am of a different opinion.

Current wave of violent crime against gringos is a very bad thing for sure. But less tourists - should be welcome.