Region Cuts Spending on Tourism by 43%

The Autonomous Region of Valencia has cut spending on tourism by more than 43% over the last two years, whilst simultaneously requesting additional support from central Government in Madrid.

The Spanish press reports that the Consell is almost two years in arreas with their payments and grants to tourist municipalities, according to the from the annual accounts for 2008 from the Valencia Tourism Agency. The paper says if this trend continues, more than 30 of the 71 million € budgeted for this season could be lost.

The PP spokesperson in the regional parliament has said that they are presenting several new initiatives insisting that Madrid considers tourism a priority. Among their demands is a 4% rate for IVA/VAT on tourism based activities.