taxfreeworldwide

Innovation is the Way to Push Tourism Forward – by Natalia Bayona, Director of Innovation, Education, and Investments of the UNWTO

Innovation is the way to push tourism forward Innovation is not just about the future. For me, innovation is about the present. When we consider innovation, it’s not just about a way of using technology but also a way of talking and a way of acting. Today we have the privilege of using technology within …

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Helping Portugal’s economy through tourism technology and innovation

Helping Portugal’s Economy Through Tourism Technology and Innovations – by Miguel Barbosa, Investment Director at Portugal Ventures

Investment director of the Tourism Division of Portugal Ventures, Miguel Barbosa, writes about how innovation in tourism technology has helped the Portuguese economy to begin its post-pandemic recovery. It will come as a surprise to nobody that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused major disruption to many national economies around the world and in Europe – …

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VAT Exception

Retailers and VAT Refund Agents May Face Industry Disruption After EU Complaint

In April 2021, the European Commission received a complaint about the current VAT refund system for foreign tourists who purchase goods in EU countries. This refund is ostensibly intended to increase tourist spending and boost local economies. The complaint, filed by fintech startup Refundit, denounced two aspects of the current VAT refund system. Firstly, the …

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Tax free world interviews Frantisek Imrecze

Interview with Frantisek Imrecze, Former President of the Slovak Financial Administration

Frantisek Imrecze is a corporate consultant who helps businesses reach their development goals. He has a wealth of experience in senior positions, such as executive secretary of the Intra-European Organisation of Tax Administrations (IOTA), president of the Slovak Financial Administration, and country manager of the Slovak subsidiary of SAP AG. In your experience, how can …

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Tax Free Shopping

The Modernisation of Tax-Free Shopping as a Lever for Growth – By Alberto Garcia Valera, Tax Partner at EY

Tax partner at EY, Alberto Garia Valera, writes about how improving tax-free shopping facilitation through digitalisation can help to improve a Spain’s economoc growth through a recovering tourism industry. The Covid-19 pandemic has placed the volatility of the Spanish economy in the spotlight, particularly since it is so closely linked to tourism, an industry that …

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Could digitalising tax-refunds add billions to the European economy?

For many cities and countries in Europe, tourism is a vital part of their economy, contributing a large part of the national and continental GDP while providing high levels of employment. As one of the sectors of great investment throughout Europe, tourism can be a key catalyst for aid during an economic downturn – especially  …

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