The Macedonian Government will not lower the VAT on food and overnights for tourists from 18 to five percent as the tourism industry had demanded. Instead of this, tourism will be boosted through state subsidies for tourist operators who will bring in foreign guests.

These subsidies for tourist arrangements for foreigners are included in a five-year strategy for tourism, which Macedonia’s Economy Ministry presented a couple of days ago.

The money from the state treasury will be distributed starting from January next year and will be used to cover some of the traveling expenses. It is also foreseen that money will be set aside for the stays of foreign journalists who will write about Macedonia’s tourism potential.