By 2020, the tourism sector will be fully exempt from the obligation to pay property taxes, according to PM Giorgi Gakharia. "This is a paramount step for this sector. In addition, income tax deadlines for companies in the tourism sector will also be extended by nine months. I cannot promise that they will be abolished; however, the deadline extension and installment payment is possible.
You know that we have promised to furnish around 50 hotels with subsidies for their loan interests, and we will deliver on this promise. Several thousand business operators and companies have already enjoyed these benefits. Today, we are implementing a new initiative of subsidizing hotels with the turnover of GEL 20 mln, with this being serious support for the field," the PM announced.
Georgia will reopen tourism in three phases.
The government is now endeavoring to meet new requirements emerging in the tourism sector.
The authorities also plan to determine safe tourist zones, such as Tskaltubo, Gudauri, Sairme, Abastumani, Borjomi and others.
The Ministry of Health has also been tasked to subject each individual crossing Georgia's border to stricter control, according to the PM.
In Gakharia's words, starting from June 15, local tourist services will be resumed in the country, while from July 1, Georgia will be ready to welcome tourists.
For tourist guides, a specific programme is also set to be implemented, which will soon be publicized.
The government has reportedly allocated GEL 60 million to subsidize hotel loans.
Additionally, the government has extended income tax deadlines for 6,118 tourist businesses, and the tourism sector is planned to be fully exempted from income tax.
On 11 May,all kinds of production and all stores are set to reopen except for clothing and footwear stores.
The plan for supporting four sectors will be publicized within ten days, with these sectors being as follows: tourism, agriculture, construction, and education.
