The Tourism Alliance (APT) proposes the cancellation of the specific tax for taxpayers in the HoReCa sector for the entire year 2022, and compensation based on a formula of 20% of the difference in turnover in 2021 compared to 2019. Additionally, industry representatives are requesting the offsetting of taxes owed with those to be recovered from the state.
According to an APT press release, in 2020, HoReCa revenues decreased by 44% and profits by 79%. At the same time, 53% of companies in the field have a medium and high risk of insolvency, well above the national average (38%).
On the other hand, during the pandemic, the hospitality industry lost approximately 30% of the workforce directly involved in the sector, which translates to approximately 60,000 people who migrated to other more stable fields during this period, APT states.
Under these conditions, the Tourism Alliance proposes several measures to mitigate the labor crisis, including the regulation of tipping as a form of incentive and identifying a way to support seasonal workers to attract them to the industry, such as granting a fiscal incentive, namely the payment of 41.5% taxes for a period of time for seasonal employees who stay for a minimum period of time.
The organization requests support for educational programs to increase service quality by intensifying the adult education process, by providing incentives for those who take courses, and identifying sources from European funds or the state budget to support this endeavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fiscal measures does APT propose for HoReCa?
APT proposes the cancellation of the specific tax for 2022 and the offsetting of taxes owed with those to be recovered from the state.
What was the pandemic’s impact on the hospitality workforce?
The sector lost approximately 30% of its workforce, meaning about 60,000 people migrated to more stable industries.
How does APT plan to attract seasonal workers?
By regulating tips as an incentive and providing fiscal stimuli, such as tax relief for seasonal employees who meet minimum tenure requirements.