Government supports tourism with a six-point package of measures
One measure will help retain and rehire workers during the low-turnover months of the year and temporary hotel closures.
To support the tourism sector, the Hungarian Tourism Agency and the government have decided on a comprehensive package of six measures that will greatly ease the burden on tourism businesses, improve their economic situation, and help their daily operations, MTÜ said in a statement.
The six measures are:
1. To reduce the burden on service providers in the sector by not having to assess, declare or pay the tourism development levy from October 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, leaving billions of forints for service providers.
2. Instead of the default four months provided for in the Labor Code, employers can once again impose a maximum 24-month working time limit for workers in the tourism sector to ensure efficient and flexible working time organization.
3. Abolish and merge the sub-accounts of the SZÉP card (employee benefit card for tourism).
4. A six-month postponement to give operators more time to prepare for the effective establishment of the conditions for data reporting practices, the digital switchover, and the learning of new software.
5. The exemption of service providers (hotels) from the obligation to scan documents of guests under the age of 14 will remain in force until the end of next year.
6. The deadline for the registration of the first accommodation qualification for private and other accommodation establishments registered and operating until December 31, 2021, will be changed to January 1, 2024. The postponement will give the operators additional preparation time for the accommodation certification process.
The exact details of the measures will be published in the forthcoming Hungarian Gazette, the MTÜ concludes.
The Association of Hungarian Hotels and Restaurants (MSZÉSZ) welcomes the package of measures. In addition, the introduction of a 24-month working time limit, which has just been announced, will greatly help retain and rehire workers during the low-turnover months of the year and temporary hotel closures.
According to the association, they are constantly monitoring the situation of the hotel industry and regularly consult with government representatives, who, according to the statement, are also open to supporting further workforce support.
