The Federation of Romanian Tourism Employers (FPTR) notes with unpleasant surprise that tourism is no longer included in the name of any ministry in the new government, following a year in which the best measures for tourism in the last two decades were taken.
For this reason, employers’ associations fear that 2016 will be a year in which tourism is neglected and will lose the positive trend that would have naturally followed the stimulative measures taken this year, the most important of which refer to the reduction of VAT on tourist packages to 9% and the implementation of norms for issuing holiday vouchers.
This year, the tourism sector benefited from the following acts and normative projects:
– The contract for the sale of tourist service packages, which also received approval from the ANPC;
– Holiday vouchers – the law and application norms;
– Draft Tourism Law – under debate with tourism employers’ associations/federations;
– 9% VAT for the tourism industry on public catering services;
– Establishment of the Tourism Advisory Council, directly under the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Tourism. The Tourism Advisory Council consists of: the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Tourism, the Secretary of State within the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Tourism, coordinator in the field of tourism, the President of the National Authority for Tourism, FPTR, ANAT, ANTREC, OPTBR, FIHR, HORECA, ANSTR, and representatives of major hotel chains.
– Draft Government Decision regarding the implementation of SIET (the information system that helps obtain statistical data).
– The project regarding the Specific Tax, which was submitted to the Romanian Parliament, supported by Mr. Mihai Tudose also in his capacity as a deputy.
– The collaboration protocol was concluded between the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Tourism, the National Authority for Tourism, and the Federation of Romanian Tourism Employers regarding cooperation between the parties for several actions in the field of tourism.
– The approval order regarding the participation of the National Authority for Tourism in international tourism fairs to be held in 2016.
Source: Economica
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are tourism employers concerned about 2016?
They fear the sector will be neglected because “tourism” was omitted from the names of the ministries in the new government, potentially stalling recent progress.
What were the key tourism measures implemented in 2015?
The most significant measures included reducing VAT to 9% for tourist packages and catering services, and establishing norms for holiday vouchers.
What is the purpose of the Tourism Advisory Council?
It serves as a collaborative body under the Ministry of Economy to coordinate strategy between the government and major industry stakeholders like FPTR and ANAT.