The Ministry of Economy as of Monday will start implementing five measures of the fourth stimulus package in direct support to tourism and hospitality workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi.
The measures are taken in consultation with the private sector and will be of significant support, he added.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Bekteshi said the five measures include reimbursement of the temporary residence fee for 2019 to all categorized catering facilities, grants for travel agencies, grants for categorized wedding restaurants, grants for children’s play centers, and grants for licensed tour guides.
“To implement all five measures, the Ministry of Economy has provided within the revised budget funds in the amount of Mden 459.65 million, i.e. EUR 7.5 million. The application deadline for these five measures is November 27, and the financial support will be realized by the end of the year,” Bekteshi pointed out.
The Economy Minister noted that in order to ensure observance of all health protocols, measures will be implemented via www.domasiedoma.gov.mk or www.pushimenevend.gov.mk platform, where applicants will be able to submit the necessary documentation online. Public calls and programs are also available on the platform, and the Ministry of Economy will reply to all questions related to the measures via the tourism department. Competent institutions including the Ministry of Finance, the Public Revenue Office, the Employment Agency, as well as the State Market Inspectorate will be checking the reliability of the data provided.
“I expect full use of measures and achieving the desired effects of job retention and helping companies recover from the consequences of the pandemic. I call on all tourism and hospitality workers to apply, and the Ministry of Economy will immediately process the applications, so that funds are timely available, Bekteshi said, mentioning that last week the Ministry also announced a public call for co-financing of artisans’ costs.
Minister Bekteshi pointed out that even in the first three sets of economic measures taken in response to COVID-19, the Ministry of Economy focused on support of the tourism and hospitality sector, the artisans, as well as the competitiveness of the local business in times of pandemic.
