Spain Cuts Value-Added Tax For Top Hotels

Spain has slashed its value-added tax by more than half for five-star hotels and four- and five-star restaurants, reducing it to 7 percent from 15 percent.

The move makes the VAT, known in Spain as the IVA, the same for all categories of restaurants and hotels. The extra tax had led some businesses to downgrade themselves to avoid the stigma - and lost customers - caused by the higher tax.

All about France

The new 112-page France Discovery Guide, the official guide of the French Government Tourist Office, is packed with info for planning a trip to France, with an emphasis on the provinces.

Its theme this year is the country’s museums, and it includes a listing of major art exhibits and other exhibitions. The guide is free from FGTO, Box 2658, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779.