Some players in Ghana’s Tourism sector have called on government to reduce the numerous taxes slapped on them as it impedes their operations.
Although they are hopeful that parliament will deliberate on the issue, they are hoping an immediate action is taken on it.
According to a Parliamentary report, some 21 taxes slapped on tourism operators which is then passed onto patrons, brands Ghana as an expensive destination.
The report adds that the numerous tax burdens are further compounded by an existing ban on tourism incentives and tax concessions to private sector investors in the tourism sector, a situation they say is hindering development of infrastructural facilities.
In an interview with Citi Business News, National President of the Ghana Hotels’ Association, Dr Aker Nyamike Junior said he is hopeful government will reduce the taxes.
“There are several payments that hotels have to deal with because we have taxes, and then we have to make payment to regulatory bodies, and then the third batch is what we call the copyright. Put all these together, that is where we get the 21 payments parliament commented about. So, we want parliament to look at synchronizing some of these payments.” He explained.
Dr. Nyamike further called on stakeholders to help transform the industry to make it more attractive to tourists by reducing the frequent increase in bills.
“Then also, find a way to control the increases because sometimes the challenge we have with these payments is that they are increased without even our knowledge and when you put all these together, with the utilities that we are also grappling with, then it makes our personal cost very high.” He lamented.
The report also indicated that a typical hotelier has to comply with fees coming from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Authority (FDA), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, Town and Country Planning, Property rates among others.
Already the tourism sector is said to be a neglected one and under-resourced despite its great prospects.
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By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana.