Morocco to Levy Tourist Tax on Flights

Morocco World News is reporting that the North African country of Morocco is planning on levying a tax on flights from the country.

   

"Parliament approved on Wednesday the plan for an aviation tax, which will come into force on April 1," stated the Tourism Minister Lahcen Haddad. 

Those flying in first class flights will be taxed 400 dirhams ($48). Flying in the back of the plane, ie economy seats, will incur a 100 dirhams ($12) charge. The government expects to raise around "$121 million a year initially, half of which is expected to fund the activities of the Moroccan national tourist office, with the rest to go to a social development fund." 10 million tourist visited Morocco last year.

Tourism taxes are the easiest way to raise money with a country, state or municipality. Why? They can't hurt the politicians that put them in place. The lay people that elected these politicians aren't really effected by the new taxes. Unlike an income or sales tax, a tourism tax effects citizens sporadically. If the tax is not to big, most tourist won't notice it. Their desire to visit the location overrides any tax or fee that might need to be paid to visit. Tourism taxes are a great revenue booster.

Well played, Morocco!
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