In the 131st plenary session, the legislators reformed the special and transitory provisions for the acquisition, contracting and payment of works, goods and services related to tourism projects.

The approved amendment proposes tax exemptions for companies that develop tourism promotion projects.

Congresswoman Elisa Rosales explained that the initiative exempts, for six months, from paying taxes to the Public Administration, natural and legal persons, contractors and subcontractors involved in the supervision, planning, design and construction of the project. The objective is to provide an incentive to attract more tourism.

The measure will benefit projects that contemplate construction and adaptation of spaces to promote tourism, such as bridges, mitigation works, sports and cultural scenarios and others.

The official mentioned that the initiative will allow a greater generation of tourism, which will generate development and economic dynamism.

"The country is positioning itself as an attractive tourist destination and soon we will be a first class one. The commitment of this Legislative Assembly is to continue supporting tourism to continue being an example in the region", said Rosales.

Data from the Ministry of Tourism reveal that, until last september, El Salvador received 2.3 million visitors, which translated into an income of $2.7 billion. In addition, 67 thousand new sources of employment were generated in the tourism industry.

According to the institution, 23% of the visitors were salvadorans residing outside the country and 77% were foreigners.

Translated by: A.M