The operators in Ghana’s tourism and hospitality industry argue that this will help solidify their gains made from the Year of Return in 2019 and also strengthen the industry.
ADVERTISEMENT
Chamber for Tourism Industry calls on the government to cut taxes to mitigate impact of COVID-19
The Chamber of Tourism Industry in Ghana has called on the government to consider giving them some financial support through possible tax cuts to mitigate the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on their businesses.
Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber for Tourism Industry Ghana, Odelia Ntiamoah
A statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber for Tourism Industry Ghana, Odelia Ntiamoah, said the government must consider tax cuts or delays for businesses as a form of stimulus package.
“Following the Year of Return in 2019 and Beyond the Return, which was expected to solidify the gains in 2020, the advent of COVID 19 has virtually eroded some of the gains made. To avoid a total wreckage of the sector, we must have a consultative meeting between all interested parties including the Ministry of Finance. This will include but not limited to tax cuts or tax delays; how much and for what period of time.”
This is coming after some hotels in the country, especially Accra have laid off some casual workers due to low patronage because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
ADVERTISEMENT
The aviation and hospitality sectors worldwide have been one of the hardest hit due to the spread of the COVID-19.
The aviation sector is the most affected. Due to its connection with the tourism and hospitality sector, it causes them also to be affected since thousands of flights have halted around the world due to restrictions on air travel.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) listed the tourism sector to be the fourth-highest foreign currency earner behind gold, cocoa and remittances.
In 2018, contribution of travel and tourism to Gross Domestic Profit (GDP) for Ghana was 3.5 billion US dollars.
The Chamber argued that since it employs between 1 in 10 to 1 in 14 people with majority being women, the government through the “Exim bank to set aside some supporting fund, with less than 3 percent interest to support the sector revive once more.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“Based on the above; we propose that a special concession be made for women in the sector so that they are not disadvantaged,” it added.
The statement also indicated that “we need a proper research done on job losses and a possible government programme that will support them in the interim as well as a dialogue on using some hotels as centers at a subsidized fee to keep them running.”
As of Wednesday (March 25, 2020), Ghana had recorded a total of 68 cases with three deaths.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh
Recommended articles
How to save a life by doing CPR during an emergency
3 reasons most airplanes are painted white
How 1 woman became first lady of 2 different countries — she married 2 presidents
BoG appoints Dr. Joseph O. France as monitoring advisor for UMB recapitalisation efforts
Government halts implementation of price stabilization and recovery levy on petroleum products
Teaching Music and Dance in schools: How it is becoming a neglected subject
Businessman allegedly linked to AKA's murder case by police
Out of my 13 children, only 10 bear resemblance to me - Bukom Banku