10% VAT for marinas. Minister Franceschini says no. But it can still be done

No way, Minister Franceschini doesn’t give a damn about nautical tourism. In the “Culture and Tourism” decree just published in the Official Gazette, there is no trace of the reduction of VAT on berths from 22 to 10 percent, which seemed to be a done deal just a few weeks ago. There is everything in the decree, money to cinemas, museums, the laudable goal of removing the stalls in front of archaeological sites. But as usual, the word nautical tourism is not part of the vocabulary of Italian politicians. Even though when they show up at boating industry association conventions they claim – liars – all their love for our mere and recreational port facilities. Then when they come home and into parliament they forget all about it. Verba volant…

RVS ON THE OTHER HAND…
As you may know, on the other hand, politicians are very fond of RVs, which instead benefit for parking in dedicated areas (and what is a marina if not a boat parking area?) from 10% VAT. That same rate applied to hotel rooms. And we would also remind you that in major European countries the tax on nautical facilities is much lower, equated precisely with other tourism realities.

THE LIGURIAN MAKEUP
But in Italy we know how to make do and we don’t lack imagination. So all we can do is urge that the “Ligurian trick,” devised by the Liguria region, which is poised to pass a regional rule equating the water surfaces of marinas with the parking areas of campgrounds and hotel rooms, be applied in every Italian region. The fancy name for achieving the result of the 10% VAT reduction is called “Marina Resort.” So the marina becomes a boat hotel with related benefits. And that would be it. You just have to have the courage to do it. So much for Tourism Minister Franceschini.