Over 70% of Romania's seaside hotels may remain closed this summer, because owners cannot afford to retroactively pay the tax on buildings, according to the Romanian Tourism Employers Federation, cited by local Mediafax.

A government decision issued five years ago regulated that the summer season begins on May 1 and ends on September 30, lasting five months, Federation representatives say.

The hotels that were opened and offered accommodation during this period benefited from halving the tax on buildings.

"Someone subsequently amended the Tax Code, without anyone telling us that only the hotels that work at least 185 days, namely more than six months, can benefit from this tax reduction," said Nicolae Bucovala , President of the Mamaia Tourism Employers Federation.

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