Bulgarian FinMin Mulls New Tax Tourism Burden

Bulgaria's Finance Minister, Simeon Djankov, became the focal point of new discontent after proposing a new fee in the tourist sector. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria's Finance Minister, Simeon Djankov, proposed Wednesday the introduction of new local tax – a fee to be paid by owners of vacation and tourist facilities on the number of beds they operate.

The fee will be paid on beds in hotels, mountain cabins, and guest houses and will have a minimum and maximum amount depending on the facility's category.

The only ground for the latest proposal voiced by Djankov is that the new duty will bring more money to municipal treasuries.

The business countered immediately saying the Minister probably "slept through some of his college classes in finance."

Elena Ivanova, President of the Owners Union in the largest summer resort "Sunny Beach," pointed out the new fee would hit on the legal business while the "gray sector" would still remain out of reach since those who are evading taxes would not pay the fee either.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!