Nautical sector says government values it only as a tax collector

PALMA
BALEARIC businesses in the nautical sector, their employees and clients are joining forces for the first time to protest against what they describe as the “disastrous policies” of the regional government.

With reference to the high tax on yacht chartering and other nautical activity, a spokesman for the lobby said yesterday that the sector is seen only by local authorities as a means of collecting taxes instead of an industrial field in its own right.

The Balearic Association of Nautical Businesses claims that at a national level, the sector generates direct employment for around 100'000 people and millions of euros a year in income - and that is without taking into account the trade that nautical businesses bring to the complementary offer of bars, cafeterias and restaurants.

Members of the regional association have said businessmen, their employees and clients who have agreed to take action over what they perceive as unfair government taxation will be taking action at this year's Palma Boat Show which runs between 30th April and 8th May. On each day of the show, horns of boats in the Bay of Palma will be sounded for a minute at midday.

Although the protest is strictly a local one, the complaints are also directed at Central Government. The lobby spokesman said that the State only viewed the nautical industry in Spain as a means of raking in taxes and didn't allow it free and fair room to develop and grow.

Yachting enthusiasts say they cannot enjoy the simple pleasures of sailing or motor cruising without having to confront grossly disproportionate tax demands. They also claim that members of the public who are not wealthy are prevented from enjoying (what should be their right to) the sea because of the financial barriers erected by the government.

The lobby also says the nautical sector in Spain is subject to levels of taxation that are applied nowhere else in Europe.