The Ghana Tourism Authority has extended its 1% levy collection exercise from every attraction establishment to the Upper East region.
Speaking to the media at a press briefing in Bolgatanga, Monday, Mr. Abraham Tetteh, an administrator at the Authority said the Tourism Development Fund, was instituted by ACT 817 to mobilize funds to help accelerate development of the tourism sector.
According to him, the fund became operational in 2012 by registration of all accommodations, catering establishments and car rentals within the tourism sector.
“Ever since the levy became operational, we have mandated this establishment to charge or collect the 1% levy from all patrons that enter to enjoy the services or products of the establishment and at the end of the day; they are expected to remit this monies into the fund.”
Mr. Tetteh indicated that the authority had initiated field exercises to close down any establishment that failed to pay the levy.
He also noted that the 1% levy is in order because its objective is to provide funding for tourism and tourism related projects and programmes in Ghana, including marketing and promotion of tourism, capacity building, market research, and development of tourism infrastructure.
He further explains that the fund is also expected to help develop and promote other entrepreneurial activities, tourism export, trade-oriented activities of institutions and tourism education and training.
Mr. Tetteh however noted that the 1% levy is not the profit of the tourism establishment or facility, but a package that patrons pay based on the services they enjoy at the facilities,
By: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen | A1RADIOONLINE.com | GHANA
