The agreement with the United States to install a pre-immigration inspection point at Punta Cana International Airport could increase the flow of tourists to the country by more than 1.5 million people, said the executive vice-president of the Association of Hotels and Tourism (Asonahores), Andrés Marranzini.
He explained that Punta Cana Airport will have a US Pre-clearance facility, which will allow faster processing and will bring US domestic airports much closer to the country as they won´t need to have immigration and customs access in the airport. It will also allow more tourists to visit the country because it will be a more attractive destination for tour operators thanks to lower costs.
He said that having these facilities in Punta Cana also sends a message about security because not all airports have this privilege.
Participating in the Economic Meeting together with Quiterio Cedeño, communications advisor for Asonahores, Marranzini said that this could increase the number of tourists by between 1 and 1.5 million in the short term because access to Punta Cana Airport would increase the number of airports in the United States to 63 which currently have no international flights because they have no immigration facilities.
He emphasized that the agreement which was signed two years ago is pending approval from the Dominican Constitutional Court. The process stipulates that once the countries sign the agreement it must be evaluated in the court because it includes constitutional issues. He said he expects it to be approved soon.
He indicated that the agreement consists of the United States Department of Immigration establishing a post at Punta Cana Airport and conducting immigration and customs checks there, so these passengers flying to the US do not have to go through customs upon landing. Furthermore, Dominican immigration authorities will acknowledge the check made by the United States on passengers flying to Punta Cana. This would save time and money for passengers and tour operators.
Marranzini explained that this agreement makes it easier for tour operators to advertise Punta Cana because it is cheaper to enter and leave the airport, attract customers and extend offers.
He indicated that the United States has this type of agreement with Canada, Japan, Mexico and other countries. Many countries have also requested such facilities and do not have them.
10 airports including Punta Cana were selected in 9 countries (Belgium, Dominican Republic, Holland, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, England and Japan).
He explained that the United States only grants this privilege to countries and airports with high security standards, which increases the confidence of that market towards our country having a positive impact which would strengthen the country as a tourist destination.
Source: Periódico Hoy
