Globus to absorb Rome hotel levy
The Globus family of brands says it will absorb the cost of a new hotel tax in Rome.
The proposal is aimed at reducing the 500 million euros (
US$600 million) the central government contributes annually to help Rome control 9.6 billion euros of debt.
Guests staying at 4- and 5-star hotels will pay a tax of about $4 per person, per night, while those in other accommodations will pay about $2.65.
“In order for the city of Rome not to tax Romans, we have decided to tax the tourists,” said a local councilor.
Globus Australasia Managing Director Stewart Williams confirmed all customers on Globus, Cosmos and Monograms tours visiting the Italian capital would be protected from the additional charges, due to be levied on all hotel guests from January 1.
The pledge covers all existing bookings for tours visiting Rome as well as all future bookings for 2011 tours.
Bernabo Bocca, president of hotel trade association Federalberghi, called the tax “utterly stupid†in an interview with Bloomberg.
Consumer group ADOC estimates the hotel tax will lead to a drop in visitors to the city of about five percent and reduce annual tourism revenue by 70 million euros.
Tourists visiting Rome declined 3.5 percent in 2009 to 8.86 million, according to data compiled by the Bank of Italy.
By Ian Jarrett
Ian Jarrett
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