profesionales

Saving lives, preventing business closures and recovering the economy are his three goals

The platform “Tourism we are all”, promoted by the Spanish Association of Hotel Directors (AEDH), the Spanish Association of Tourism Professionals (AEPT), the Spanish Golden Keys, the Spanish Association of Hotel Governors and the RV Edipress Group, has presented the Government with a roadmap with concrete measures to protect the tourism industry. Its objectives are clear: to save lives, the economy and tourism; to avoid the destruction of companies and jobs linked to the sector; and to ensure that one of Spain’s main economic engines leads the country’s recovery.

“Turismo Somos Todos” aims to bring together the entire Spanish tourism sector, also collaborating with international companies and organizations and does so through a new roadmap based on eight strategic points for #SalvarElTurismo de la crisis

1.PCR to the population

Execute a plan for the implementation and monitoring of massive and safe testing of the Covid-19 to the population, bringing together both public and private initiative for its acquisition and implementation.

PCR to tourists

Demand PCR from tourists at origin and return them with PCR at destination. This guarantees the safety of the traveler and the destination, creating confidence in the tourism sector.

If a vaccine already exists, a vaccination certificate will be required to travel to Spain.

2.- Communication plan

Creation of a communication plan to give prestige to the Spain brand as a safe destination at a European and international level, in which the tourism sector is heard and participates. A message of safety and good management must be sent to the rest of Europe and the world.

3.- Economic and fiscal incentives

Implementation of the necessary economic and fiscal stimuli for the tourism sector, such as the following

Lowering the VAT rates for tourism to a single rate, the lowest possible, to encourage consumption again and unify with other European countries.

Tax reduction or exemption: Companies, municipal taxes (IAE, garbage, IBI…) to minimize the negative impact of the crisis on the sector, and to obtain liquidity to continue with the activity.

Creation of an economic, fiscal and labour space that is attractive for investment.

With respect to the labor area, to make hiring more flexible and easier, in addition to lowering the quotations for hiring.

Extension of the grace period for ICO loans.

Moratorium on bank loans.

4.- Extension and flexibility of ERTE

It is essential that the ERTE be extended until March 2021, that they be made more flexible and that the quantum of the bonuses be raised to at least 90% in the tourism sector.

5.- Committee of experts of the sector

It is proposed to the Government the creation and composition of a Committee of Experts in Tourism, in which the sector is present and which is consulted in the decision making process that affects the industry.

6.- Pursuing the illegal tourist offer

To prohibit, sanction and prosecute the commercialization of illegal tourist apartments, as well as any other illegal tourist offer, without a license or corresponding registration that allows its activity.

7.- Anti-Okupa Law

Promote and implement an Anti-Okupa Law that defends private property.

8.- Ministry of Tourism

To create a Ministry dedicated exclusively to Tourism, headed by an expert and professional in this industry, as proposed by the sector.

The initiative has new members every day who, as Manuel Ruiz, director of the Mayorazgo Hotel and president of the Spanish Association of Hotel Directors in Madrid, has pointed out, “are joining a completely necessary and unprecedented struggle”. A struggle in which, he adds, “the control of expenses of the hotelier, without income, is the only formula for survival, with a clear goal: to avoid running out of cash so as not to go bankrupt”.