Russians will rest at the expense of employers from 2019
At the end of May, changes in the legislation relating to social tourism will come into force. Since 2019, paying for tourist tours to their employees, employers will receive tax benefits.
The opportunity will also be given to the immediate relatives of the employee: parents, spouses, children under 18 or up to 24 years old, if they study at the full-time department of universities.
The initiative will stimulate domestic tourism and should improve the quality of life of Russians. The tourist flow in Russia will grow by 7-10%, this will increase the contribution of the tourism industry to GDP from 3% to 8%. The development of tourism within the country is an increase in employment, that is, the solution of the issue of unemployment and an increase in incomes of residents of host cities.
Expenses for vouchers relate to the wage fund, they will not be withheld income tax in the amount of 20% and insurance contributions to the pension fund, social insurance fund, federal and territorial MHI funds. The company must conclude a contract with a travel agency, it will be the basis for the purchase of tax benefits. Then a tax deduction will be introduced for individuals when purchasing tour packages in the Russian Federation.
We are discussing preferential programs for people with low incomes: young people, the elderly. The national children’s program is in its fifth year and is a good argument for social tourism. The allocated budget money should pay off and increase the profitability of tourism.