For several years in Leticia, Amazonas, a contribution has been charged to tourists who enter through the Alfredo Vásquez Airport. This tribute, created by the Municipal Council, has been the subject of controversy, since the local community does not receive a tangible investment of the money collected.
Furthermore, its legality is questioned, since the Colombian Political Constitution establishes that only the Congress of the Republic can create taxes, while the Departmental Assemblies and Municipal Councils only regulate their implementation.
The amount collected usually exceeds billion pesos annuallyAccording to the Mayor of Leticia, these funds are mainly allocated to service contracts for beautification, cleaning, ornamentation, maintenance, workshops and tourist promotion of the city.
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Insufficient investments and infrastructure problems in Leticia
In recent years, sixty million pesos have also been invested in studies and designs of a tourist viewpoint, and in the construction of landmarks, tourist and cultural sculptures, in addition to Christmas lighting. However, it is a widespread citizen feeling that investments are not reflected in concrete improvements.
An example is the problem generated when the Amazon River drops and it becomes necessary to walk the so-called Fantasy Island to have access to the navigable tributary. At this point, the construction of a bridge-pier is urgent, a constant demand that merchants have been requesting for years from the municipal administration of the Liberal Party, which governed until 2023.
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Legal challenges and need for transparency
Regarding the legality of this tax, it is urgent that the new municipal administration, which began on January 1, 2024, manage before the Congress of the Republic the creation of an appropriate legal figure for this collection. There are two rulings, from 2020 and 2022, that question the way in which the municipal agreements have been supported. Insisting on the implementation of this contribution without a clear legal framework could have serious legal implications and even crimes.
For the above reasons, we are awaiting the meaning of the ruling that a Magistrate will give to the writ of protection that we filed in February, requesting the annulment of the Municipal Agreement and the Sanction of the Mayor’s Office, which authorizes the collection of this contribution in 2024 of up to fifty thousand pesos from foreigners and nationals. If the violation of the Constitution and the law is allowed in this case, the door is opened to the normalization of legal noncompliance in other areas. The law is harsh, but it is the law.
Leticia was one of the three most visited destinations in Colombia during the first four months of the year, and given the multiple social needs that exist in the municipality, it is imperative to charge those who come to our municipality with a tourist spirit, and thus, invest the resources responsibly. Merchants and citizens must continue the organization process, and monitor the final destination of this important financial fund. Likewise, the Petro Government must strengthen investment and further support territorial entities to advance in the tourism and socioeconomic improvements that are needed.
