A so-called tourism tax might be introduced in Georgia. Within the framework of the ongoing reform in the sector, the Institute of Tourism jointly with USAID asked the opinion to the hotels of Batumi and Kobuleti regarding the introduction of the fee.
It is clear from the research that more than half of the interviewed representatives of the private sector evaluate the idea positively and believe that the fee will have a positive effect on the sustainable development of tourism. However, some of the hotels are worried about the introduction of such a tax.
Mamuka Berdzenishvili, executive director of the Tourism Institute, told BMGTV that according to research, 80% of tourist facilities were not informed about the tourist tax and their concern was more "fear than risk".
"If the tax is imposed, travel will become more expensive by GEL 4.20 per person. This amount is actually not large, and if a tourist wants to travel to Georgia, he will not change his mind due to the amount of this tax. The research showed that 80% of our tourist facilities were not informed about the tourist tax, they were simply not familiar with this concept," he said.
Mamuka Berdzenishvili also spoke about the positive aspects of imposing the fee and named several directions that this fee will help in development. He also said that the fee would only apply to foreign tourists and that it would be voluntary for municipal authorities to impose it.
As for the timing of when the fee can be imposed, he says, probably in one or two years: "Therefore, there is still time to eliminate as much as possible all the risks that may accompany the introduction of this tax."
