A new law exempting foreign travellers from paying tax on hotel stays in Argentina has been described as a “positive step” by the new boss of the Latin America Tourism Association.
Lata chief executive Tony Mason, who took up the newly-created role this month after heading the Falklands Islands Tourist Board, hailed the initiative as helping to open up the country as a “must-see” destination.
Lata brings together a number of Argentinian hotels and tour operators such as Aliwen Incoming, Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, Estancia Los Porteros and Alvear Palace Hotel as well working with airlines and tourist boards.
“We at the Latin America Tourism Association feel that the new law is a positive step for growing travel to the region,” Mason said.
“We anticipate that the move to reimburse foreign tourists for the VAT on their hotel stays, which today stands at 21%, will boost tourism to the destination, increase the number of foreign tourists in the country and reinforce Argentina’s status as one of the must-see destinations in Latin America.”
He added: “The new law not only emphasises the importance of tourism to the Argentine economy but will also improve the competitiveness of the destination’s tourism industry, which will inevitably have a long term positive effect on tourism numbers.
“This new law, combined with the development of tourism infrastructure and the launch of new direct flights from Europe to the region, reflect the efforts being made by governments to open up Latin America to international tourism and to better promote the destination.
“We look forward to working even more closely with the industry in order to further grow tourism to Latin America.”