Delay in Airbnb regulation agreement in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- Despite the announcement made last February, the signing of an agreement to regulate short-term rental properties offered through the Airbnb platform has yet to materialize. This delay is attributed to the absence of a tax proposal required to be drafted by the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII).

Minister of Tourism, David Collado, disclosed that the portion of the agreement within the jurisdiction of his institution is prepared and has been mutually agreed upon with executives from the multinational company and the private sector.

Collado emphasized the importance of regulating Airbnb properties for the sake of safety and ensuring that advertised accommodations are as advertised. He stressed that just as hotels are subject to supervision, Airbnb rentals should also be subject to oversight.

The Minister specified that it was at the behest of the private sector, represented by the National Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores), that the signing of the agreement, initially slated for last February, was postponed. This delay was to allow the DGII time to formulate a plan detailing how the multinational company would be taxed for its short-term rental services in the country.

Collado reiterated the commitment to collaborative work, highlighting the consensus reached among stakeholders. Both Mitur and Asonahores, through its president David Llibre, expressed uncertainty regarding the timeline for the completion of the fiscal plan by Internal Taxes.

Llibre indicated that there is a resolution in principle agreed upon with the Ministry of Tourism, awaiting clarity on the government’s fiscal strategy concerning this matter.