Luanda: The National Assembly has unanimously approved a new bill concerning the Legal Regime of the Special Contribution for Tourism. This legislation grants the President of the Republic the power to establish a special contribution for tourism, including determining the general principles that must guide this contribution.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the legislation also authorizes the Head of the Executive Branch to set the parameters for calculation, settlement, and payment, as well as exemptions and the management of revenues. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for oversight to ensure proper adherence to these guidelines.
The PRS-FNLA parliamentary bloc expressed its support for the legislation, emphasizing that unrestricted tourism could hinder efforts towards economic diversification. PRS MP Benedito Daniel highlighted the importance of discussing the special contribution thoroughly to avoid deterring foreign tourists, especially given the competitive tourism landscape in neighboring countries.
Arlindo Miranda, a deputy from the UNITA party, stated that the law's approval is a step towards developing the national tourism sector and enhancing Angola's image internationally. The legislation is designed to diversify state tax revenues while boosting the tourism industry. It also aims to provide local state administration bodies with their own revenue streams, creating a vital source of funding for tourism initiatives.
The measure also aligns with strategies to attract tourists through avenues such as event and maritime tourism, thereby broadening tourism offerings and enhancing the sector's contribution to the national GDP.
