BAKU, Azerbaijan, Dec. 30
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
Uzbekistan considered the issue of introducing a tourist (hotel) tax in the amount of 0.5 percent of the base estimated amount for citizens of Uzbekistan, Trend reports citing the press service of the State Committee for Tourism Development of Uzbekistan.
According to the information, Uzbekistan plans to attract 1.7 million foreign, 7.5 million local tourists, and bring the export of tourism services to $370 million in 2021.
In particular, tasks were set to attract 700,000 pilgrims, using the potential of the country's pilgrim tourism, and to ensure the export of services in this direction in the amount of $130 million.
Proceeding from this, a draft decree of the president of Uzbekistan on measures for the further development of pilgrim tourism in Uzbekistan and the creation of favorable conditions for pilgrims was developed, aimed at implementing measures to form and create the necessary conditions for the influx of domestic and foreign pilgrims, widespread promotion of the pilgrim tourism potential of the country.
In addition, the benefits and preferences provided in 2020 to business entities in connection with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic are expected to continue in 2021 to create an enabling environment for accelerated recovery.
These include a reduction in the income tax rate by 50 percent compared to the established rate.
Also, real estate objects of individuals, specializing in the provision of accommodation services, are exempt from payment of the land tax levied on individuals and property tax of individuals.
In addition, the application of fines for overdue receivables from foreign trade transactions will be discontinued.
The promotion work to popularize the image of Uzbekistan as a center of Islamic civilization will be conducted at exhibitions and conferences held in Dubai (UAE), Alania (Turkey), Kazan (Russia), Jakarta (Indonesia), and Singapore, as well as through foreign media platforms TRT Avas (Turkey), Trans7, NetTV, SCTV (Indonesia), AlHijrah (Malaysia), HalalTrip (Singapore).
Furthermore, the issue of introducing a tourist (hotel) tax for citizens of Uzbekistan and stateless persons permanently residing in Uzbekistan was also considered to finance activities aimed at promoting and stimulating domestic tourism, providing employment with accommodation facilities during the low tourist season. In this case, the tourist tax is set at 0.5 percent of the base calculated amount.
In addition, the main goal will be aimed at financing activities aimed at stimulating travel around the country, promoting and stimulating domestic tourism, providing employment with accommodation during the low tourist season, as well as financing planned forums, conferences, and various events.
It was noted that seven billion soums ($668,194) will be allocated from the Tourism Support Fund for the implementation of measures for the targeted promotion of the potential of pilgrim tourism in Uzbekistan.
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