Low tax compliance levels worries govt

Government is concerned with the low tax compliance levels in the Tourism Sector.

Finance Minister Felix Mutati says taxes on tourism sector must be paid to protect the environment and provide security to tourist areas.

Mr. Mutati has noted that the tourism sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the country which can help to boost the country’s economy.

Speaking during a tourism stakeholder consultative meeting in Lusaka today, Mr. Mutati says there is need to discuss the best ways of increasing revenue collection in the tourism sector and deal with the shortcomings the industry is facing for the betterment of the country.

He has since appealed to the private sector in the tourism sector to come up with clear and acceptable areas for cooperation and collaboration.

Mr Mutati is optimistic that the meeting will also help in raising the country’s tourism profile through awareness on the value of tourism and its importance to socio-economic development.

Speaking earlier, Tourism and Arts Minister Charles Banda says government recognizes tourism as a priority sector that can be used as a vehicle for economic growth and poverty alleviation.

Mr. Chanda says Tourism is a viable source of employment to the youth and also a tool of generating income; therefore reducing poverty.