Sardinian Tax Cancelled

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The following press release has been issued by Sardinia-based companies Luise Group and Sardinia Yacht Services in reaction to the cancellation of the luxury tax in Sardinia, which will affect superyachts visiting the island and comes at the perfect time for those vessels looking to charter in and around it: Sardinia Yacht Services, the concierge and maritime agency services in Sardinia for Luise Group, is pleased to communicate that the Sardinia Luxury Tax that has been in effect since 2006 has been cancelled.

On Wednesday, 6 May, the local regional government of Sardinia approved Article 2 of the Financial Regional Act. The approval of this act effectively cancels the law known as the “luxury tax” in Sardinia. This tax was felt throughout the tourism industry and had a negative effect on the local tourism economy. Il Consorzio Rete dei Porti Sardegna (The Consortium of Sardinian Touristic Ports) is pleased about the cancellation. In the past three years there has been a decline of approximately 50 per cent in the number of yachts present in Sardinian ports. The law, which has now been cancelled, stipulated that yachts berthed in any port in Sardinia had to pay up to 15,000 euros for their sojourn.

This tax had a visibly negative result on Sardinia’s image as a premier vacation destination worldwide. As other regions in the Med are actively trying to promote their regions, in particular with regards to high quality tourism, this tax in Sardinia had the exactly opposite effect. Fulvio Luise, Managing Partner of Luise Group commented today, “This is a very significant step forward for everyone who works in the yachting and luxury sector in Sardinia. Despite our best efforts in the past three years to help clients understand this tax, we faced enormous challenges and incurred a drop of approximately 20-25 per cent each year in superyachts travelling to Sardinia.”

Renato Azara, Managing Partner of Sardinia Yacht Services said, “We have been working very closely with the local authorities for the past three years, first in trying to have modifications made to the law and secondly in its cancellation. We were successful on both points.

The megayacht industry is an important economic component of Sardinia’s tourism industry and we are very pleased that we have a positive relationship with the local authorities and that they have a full understanding of the potential of this market for Sardinia.”

The above means that Sardinia is again a very sought after destination this summer. Be quick to book your charter yacht for the early weeks of August. In one of my earlier posts (which is here) you can find a great itinerary for Sardinia and Corsica. There is much to see and do and enjoy. Contact us for your booking charter@charterexperience.com

Gertrud

PS meanwhile i have arrived in Palma de Mallorca on the Balearic Islands and shall inspect the local fleet here and report back to you.