Gjermeni: Lower taxes for tourism

“This is a promise that we will keep within our governing mandate. I am sorry that we weren’t able to realize it within the first three months, although we made our maximal efforts. We couldn’t make it due to the huge debts that we had and the difficult financial situation. I said that we will make it within the first government mandate, and we will do everything possible to realize it within the next year. But this is a promise that we want and that we are ready to realize as soon as possible”, Gjermeni declared.

Besides the tax interventions, the government will also change the law for tourism. The new draft that is being discussed with the interest groups obliges the tourist enterprises to get licensed and give the Ministry the right to respect them.

“We propose the licensing of tourist offerers, mainly from the tourist agencies, tourist operators and accommodation units. We need to define the criteria for the tourist activity along the coastline, mainly for the beach stations and for the water activities. Keeping in mind that these standards will be established, and keeping in mind the licensing process, we will also make an inspection of the tourist enterprises”, declared Enton Diamanti from the Ministry of Tourism.

For Minister Gjermeni, this law that has been prepared with the support of USAID empowers the sector. She wants business to make its part too.

“We have their cooperation and commitment, especially for increasing the quality of the tourism services, for guaranteeing a partnership for Albania’s promotion throughout the world and for reducing the informality in this sector, which is in fact very problematic”, Gjermeni declared.

Tourism is 13% of the Gross Domestic Product, being one of the most important branches of economy. After several years of growth, the sector faced a strong decrease in 2013.

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