The Egyptian Tourism Federation has announced that a joint committee established with the Ministry of Finance to resolve outstanding tax issues between the Egyptian Tax Authority and investors has achieved tangible results. Its prompt, professional handling of tax problems facing tourism projects safeguards the state’s full rights, facilitates dealings with investors and helps create a more stable and attractive investment climate.
Federation Chairman Hossam El-Shaer said 20 long-standing tax disputes had been referred to the committee within a short period. Seventeen were conclusively resolved, while three remain under review, within a balanced legal framework that considers all parties’ interests.
El-Shaer explained that the committee was established by a decision of the minister of finance in response to the federation’s request. Its task is to examine outstanding disputes and cases between tourism investors and the Tax Authority and seek solutions before they are referred to the courts.
He said these results had increased state revenues and collections of taxes due from tourism projects, while relieving investors of concerns over such cases, providing a model for cooperation between the state and the private sector.
The idea behind the committee, he noted, was to establish a practical, swift dispute-resolution mechanism that avoids lengthy court proceedings, saves investors time and effort, strengthens confidence and increases state resources.
He added that the initiative had successfully settled numerous cases without litigation, improving the stability of tourism projects, providing meaningful investment incentives and generating direct returns for the state treasury.
El-Shaer welcomed the Ministry of Finance’s decision to expand the committee’s remit to include property tax and entertainment tax cases, describing it as an important step in supporting tourism and continuing productive cooperation between the ministry and the federation.
He explained that the expansion followed the committee’s success in amicably resolving numerous tax and customs evasion cases before referral to the Public Prosecution, preserving tourism establishments’ reputations while boosting state tax revenues.
El-Shaer affirmed that the committee has become a practical example of state–private sector cooperation, demonstrating that problems can be resolved and voluntary payment compliance encouraged through dialogue and mutual understanding, without compromising state rights or hindering investment.
He said the next phase would involve closer coordination with the Ministry of Finance, supporting the state’s tourism investment policy and creating a stable, fair business environment that strengthens tourism’s role as a major source of national income and jobs in Egypt.
