Tourism, insignificant growth
16/12/2011 00:00
Linda Rama: Between Family, Work and Albania’s Future 18/08 14:30
The tourist agencies say that the tourism industry is almost in
stagnation, despite the expectancies. According to a study published by
the Albanian Tourism Association, the growth of 2011, compared to 2010,
is almost insignificant.
Most of the tourists in the coastal areas were Albanians. There was a slight increase of foreign tourists, compared to 2011, but very low”, says Enver Mehmeti, President of the Association.
The agencies say that the tourism agency in the country is being penalized by the high government taxes.
“The current VAT is 20%, referring to the entire Balkan market, with which we compete, it is a big value. What we have brought on the table are the present studies, with the numbers in this market, that in the region go to 10%”, Mehmeti declared.
According to them, Albania’s 20% VAT is less attractive in the Balkan tourism market.
“The tourism product is more expensive than in the other countries of the region, and the sale possibilities are very law”, says the President of this association.
The tourism industry is 13% of the GDP and one of the main sources for the foreign currency in Albania.
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