The new provisions imposed following the extension of the state of emergency penalize the recovery of the tourism sector.
Hamid Bentahar, president of the National Tourism Federation and president of the Marrakech-Safi Regional Tourism Council, tells us more.
FNH: Tourism professionals are calling for people to stick together to get the sector out of this slump. What measures does your federation recommend to support businesses and save jobs?
HB: Professionals in this period of persistent pandemic advocate three incentive measures:
In the short term, it is imperative to maintain the provisions of the CNSS, the program contract and its extension to December 31, 2021 with the revision of the deadlines for the payment of social security contributions deferred and due in 2020 and 2021, from 2022 spread over 24 months.
Banking measures are essential, as a second measure in particular, thanks to the reprofiling of the long-term banking schedule with the GPBM and the strengthening of the intervention of the CCG, the postponement of leasing credits for companies in the transport sector as well as a postponement of repayments of loans taken out by employees of the sector”.
Taxation is the 3rd measure and not the least. On this specific point, we are requesting a tax moratorium for 2020 and 2021, for local taxes such as professional tax, as of January 1, 2022, spread over 24 months without fees or penalties.
FNH:The sector must cope with reservation cancellations and travel restrictions. How do you plan to preserve the tourism industries currently suffering and providing employment?
HB: Tourism is a major component of the economy. Its contribution to employment is considerable. The sector employs nearly 2.5 million people between direct and indirect jobs. Tourism industries generate 11 points of GDP (7% through non-residents and 4% through national tourism) and cover 20% of exports of goods and services.
Against all odds, the tourism sector has always demonstrated resilience in the face of various global shocks over these two decades. Except that 2021 looks set to be worse than the previous one, due to the fact that the first quarter of 2020 recorded very good performances.
FNH: Is the extension of support measures for employment and tourism businesses until the end of December 2021 an absolute necessity then?
HB: The tourism sector is the most affected by this crisis linked to covid-19. The economic recovery promised for 2021 is therefore postponed.
The thinning experienced by certain seaside hotels which have less than 20% capacity this summer may help to slightly limit the damage but not to cope with 1 and a half years of fixed costs linked to the sector.
The resumption of activity itself is not yet there. Overall, all destinations and all sectors of the sector, namely tour operators, restaurateurs, guides, tourist transporters, hoteliers and many others are suffering the heavy effects of this crisis which lasts and persists over time. More than 16 months is enormous, you can imagine the extent of the damage for families.
source: fnh.ma
