Hoteliers, tourists demand tax waivers in tourism sector

Players in the tourism industry have bemoaned Ghana’s high cost of operations, precisely high taxes, which according to them is affecting business activities.

Some business owners who have been speaking to Citi Business News say the high tax regime has contributed to a stunted growth in their respective businesses.

They further contend that the development has caused their profit margins to dwindle since the hotel industry for instance is no more lucrative.

The Chief Executive Officer of online hotel booking website- Jumia Travel, Paul Midy in an interview with Citi Business News was confident a tax cut or waiver will significantly facilitate the growth of the industry and enhance better services to customers.

“The taxes are too high for a sector like the tourism industry. It should be lowered for the businesses because we are forced to charge high prices when providing services whether in a hotel or others in the tourism industry. So I think it is something that should be looked at,” he stressed.

Meanwhile Paul Midy has also advocated increased investments to improve the infrastructure network of the tourism industry.

Like others in the industry, Mr. Midy believes Ghana’s tourism sector seems to be losing out despite its huge potential on the African continent due to low investments by government.

He argues that the lack of investment such as better road infrastructure as well as good communication systems have compelled most foreign tourists to shy away from relative remote tour sites.

“We have a team which works on the ground and brings us feedback. Some of the things that tourists look out for are the quality of hotels; number of hotels and the issues of accessibility…the number of tourists keep on growing and Ghana could envision of Europeans coming into the country for instance. So Ghana needs to keep on working to improve access,” he asserted.

By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana