Reduction in excise tax would encourage people to purchase newer vehicles: PM Roosevelt Skerrit

Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit stated during the assembly session on Wednesday that government's move to exempt import duties and excise tax on motor vehicles is solely to encourage taxi operators to own fleets of new vehicles.

Dr Skerrit added that due to high-rates of import duties, people could only afford used vehicles; however, the new initiatives of the government would encourage them to purchase new vehicles.

"From now, they are entitled to get these benefits on two vehicles in a period of five years, and they will be exempted from an excise tax of 28% percent and import duty on the luxury vehicle which is about 40%," added PM Roosevelt Skerrit.

Minister of Tourism, International Transport, and Maritime Initiatives Denise Charles stated that the government is working towards making Dominica the No. 1 tourism destination in the region.

She noted that as the country has some of the greatest luxury brands hotels in the world that includes Secret Bay, Hilton Tranquility Beach, Marriot, Jungle Bay. She continued that the efforts are also to support these transporters to invest in luxury vehicles that would provide more amenities to the tourists.

She added, "It is important to upgrade our motor vehicle fleet, people must be transported in comfort while they enjoy the ride from the airport to the hotel or anywhere else in the country."

Minister Charles continued that ministry of tourism would also be reviewing tourism sites in the country to reclassify the locations for a better outlook.

"One we build the international airport, we will have tons of people coming to Dominica, and we want to make sure we have a product to cater every taste and style."

Minister of Tourism further stated that the government is working towards creating some standards that managers of sits and owners of restaurants must meet to provide the best experience to visitors coming to Dominica.

" In the region, we have one of the most diverse, dynamic and attractive country, where you can go to the rivers, you can go to trail" stated Minister of Tourism, International Transport, and Maritime Initiatives Denise Charles.

Furthermore, the minister added that tour operators can take advantage of all these measures, and new investors can come into play.