Tourism Ministry officials are angry over talk of removing a number of perks given to tourists. This includes talk of changing the current arrangement by which tourists are exempt from 15.5% Value Added Tax in a number of areas, including purchases in accredited stores, car rentals and hotels.

Tourism officials warn the result of such a decision could be disastrous for the tourism industry and many businesses, urging finance officials to reconsider attempting such as move as tourism industry continues efforts to attract additional tourists from countries around the world.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)