By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton is calling for rigorous public scrutiny of the Belize Tourism Board’s proposal to raise the hotel accommodation tax from 9% to 12%.
In a statement titled “Do Not Tax Tourism Into Decline,” Panton described the move as a 33% increase in the tax rate that would add directly to the cost of hotel stays.
She warned that the change could push visitors to shorten their stays, choose cheaper lodging, spend less on tours and restaurants, or pick competing destinations altogether.
“Even a modest decline in bookings or length of stay can have significant consequences in a tourism-dependent economy,” the statement reads, pointing to hotels, tour operators, restaurants, transport providers, tour guides, water taxi operators, artisans and farmers who rely on visitor spending.
Panton said small and medium sized businesses would feel it hardest, as they operate on narrow margins.
She is calling on government and the BTB to publish revenue projections and expected effects on occupancy, employment and small business activity before proceeding.
She also demanded an independent audit of the $50 million tourism infrastructure bond.
The post Leader of the Opposition warns 12% hotel tax could hurt Belize tourism appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton is calling for rigorous public scrutiny of the Belize Tourism Board’s proposal to raise the hotel accommodation tax from 9% to 12%. In a statement titled “Do Not Tax Tourism Into Decline,” Panton described the move as a 33% increase in the tax
The post Leader of the Opposition warns 12% hotel tax could hurt Belize tourism appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
