The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) opposes a proposed increase in the Hotel Accommodation Tax and asks the government to provide the plan in writing. The association discussed the issue at its annual general meeting, and it remains a concern for tourism stakeholders. BTIA and the Belize Hotel Association (BHA) have requested a meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño, the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations, and the Belize Tourism Board.
According to the associations, they presented the proposal verbally to tourism representatives. They say they need written details to assess the proposed rate, how and when it would take effect, and its potential impact on hotels, employees, communities, and Belize’s competitiveness as a tourism destination. BTIA is also asking how any additional revenue would be spent.
Speaking on September 24, BTIA President Efren Perez said the industry’s opposition to higher taxes was clear, but discussions with the government remained possible. He said the joint letter from BTIA and BHA sought clarity on the proposal. “So the joint letter that was sent to the prime minister was a letter that was developed between BTIA and also BHA, and what we asked for is clarity. The reason for that is because what was presented was all verbal, and so we didn’t have anything concrete,” Perez said.
“Obviously, we have had a resounding no to any increase in taxes from the industry, and that is very respectful,” he added. Perez also linked the discussion to challenges facing tourism communities, including the cost of addressing sargassum and coastal erosion, particularly in Placencia. He said government and tourism businesses would need to work together on effective solutions.
Melanie Paz of BTIA’s San Pedro chapter said on September 29 that most local hotel operators opposed the proposed increase and wanted to know how the additional funds would be used. “Everybody in the industry that has any kind of resort or hotel is against raising any kind of tax on the tourism industry. It almost seems that that’s the industry they keep targeting. What we want to know is if they do decide to do that, what are they going to allocate those additional funds to? We want a clear picture of where those funds will go,” the Paz said.
A meeting between government officials and industry representatives is expected to be the next step. BTIA said it would consult its members after receiving formal details of the proposal before issuing a more comprehensive response.