Tony Killeen
Question:215 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the proposals, if any, he has to ease the financial and taxation burden on hoteliers and others in the tourism business who upgrade their product. [4413/96]
Written Answers. - Tourism Tax Burden.
The Government's policy of maintaining low inflation, low interest rates and tight control of the public finances continues to make a significant contribution to the cost competitiveness of the tourism industry. The industry will also benefit from further measures announced in this year's budget to reduce employment costs and the general burden of taxation.
Similarly, the Government has implemented a number of schemes to assist with the cost of capital for tourism investment and development. The operational programme for tourism, the access to finance scheme, the pilot tax relief scheme for certain resort areas and the announcement in this year's budget to extend the business expansion scheme for a further three years are initiatives already in place, which have a major impact in encouraging and assisting the cost of continued investment, in upgrading and expanding tourism amenities and facilities.