Prague wants to increase the accommodation fee. For low income can covid
Increase the accommodation fee to 50 crowns available from this year amendment to the Act of 2019. According to a document approved by Prague councilors in October, the current Prague rate of 21 crowns (approximately 0.8 euros) is set low. For example, in Barcelona it is 1.1 euros, in Vienna 2.1 euros, in Budapest 3.2 euros. Tourist in Rome pays more than six euros, and even 19 euros in Copenhagen. Some Czech cities such as Karlovy Vary, Český Krumlov, Františkovy Lázně or Lipno nad Vltavou have already decided to increase the fee to a maximum of CZK 50.
The impact of covidu
According to Deputy Mayor for Finance Pavel Vyhnánek (Prague Sobě), the city collected a fee before the coronavirus pandemic beginning approaching 300 million crowns, part of the money is also obtained by city districts. At the time of the pandemic is chosen due to the decline in tourism to radically reduce, the city additionally charges last year. “I can assume that with the return of tourism, it will be 500 or more crowns,” he said. When asked later, ČTK added that the amendment to the decree should be approved by the December council and if it approves, the fee will rise from the beginning of next year.
“I am glad that for this amount, or a substantial part of it, we have specific use, that it will not dissolve in the huge Prague budget, but that it will return to tourism and its development, “said Vyhnánek. According to the signed memorandum, Prague wants to focus on support for those types of tourism that do not have a negative impact on local people. According to PCT director František Cyprus, the congress tourism and big event will attract foreign visitors.
Promotion of Prague
The money from the fees should also go to the campaign promoting Prague as tourist destination, such as the current one focused on the autumn and Advent seasons. “We are very satisfied with its course, so I am looking forward to the fact that, thanks to today’s signing, we have the opportunity for further campaigns in the coming years,” said Hana Třeštíková (Prague Sobě), Councilor for Culture and Tourism. The President of the Association of Hotels and Restaurants of the Czech Republic Václav Stárek added that past campaigns worked, so even the current one will be very successful according to previous numbers.
According to Vyhnánek, the PCT has until March next year to prepare money distribution rules. “Technically, it will work by setting aside a special budget fund in which the funds will be stored and then used,” he explained. The city council will decide on specific projects financed from the fund.
“We do not discourage tourists”
The deputy is not afraid that the increase in the fee could keep tourists from visiting dissuade. “The fee at the moment is really symbolic, is the lowest compared to comparable cities not only in Europe. There are even a number of Czech cities that have significantly higher ones, “he said.
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Prague wants to increase the tourist tax from 21 to 50 CZK per person per night. (illustrative photo)
Author: David Malík