The hotel industry in the country is now on revised accommodation rates as the increase in the Hotel Turnover Tax increases from 3 to 5 percent from today.
President of the Fiji Hoteliers Association, Dixon Seeto said the increase in taxes implemented by the interim government in the 2008 National Budget has to come into effect no later than today and they have no other choice.
He said while some time was given to the hoteliers to prepare for the increase, people should realize that the increase in the taxes have been passed onto travel agents who set up the tourism package deals, and this will definitely cause a reaction based on the rates offered by other competing tourist destinations.
Seeto said what is needed at the moment is for the interim government and all the stakeholders to ensure that the tourism industry recovers.
He said the increase in the Hotel Turnover Tax from 3 to 5 percent may result in an opposite effect where the overall income and tax revenue through this action is lower.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji is hoping that the tourism earnings improve later in the year.
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Hotel turnover tax increases
