The federal government of Saint Lucia has handed plans for a brand new tourism levy following two years of session and improvement.
The levy will likely be launched from December 1st and is designed to permit the island to extend its advertising price range and assist tourism improvement.
Tourism minister, Dominic Fedee, stated: “The purpose is to make sure that the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is self-sustainable.
“The previous price range allocation of roughly EC$35 million can now be directed to different demanding areas inside key sectors of training, nationwide safety, and well being care.”
Friends staying at registered lodging service suppliers will likely be required to pay a nightly levy.
Within the two-tier system, visitors will likely be charged US$three or US$6 per individual per evening, relying on a room charge under or above US$120.
Friends who’re 12 to 17 years on the finish of their keep can pay half, whereas the price is not going to apply to youngsters below 12 years.
Registered lodging service suppliers are required to use and accumulate the levy and remit to the administering authority.
As well as, with impact from December, Worth Added Tax (VAT) will likely be decreased from ten to seven per cent for tourism lodging service suppliers.
The information comes because the phased re-opening of the island continues, with the certification of 30 villas and the launch of a dine-around programme for guests.
The additional easing of sure restrictions has added extra methods to take pleasure in their island vacation throughout peak winter solar season.
Guests can already keep in as much as two Covid-certified properties in addition to participate in a broad vary of experiences together with diving, crusing and climbing up the enduring Gros Piton mountain.
Up till the tip of October, the vacation spot had safely welcomed greater than 17,000 guests since reopening July ninth.
The newly re-opened villas provide a non-public lodging different to resorts and embody a variety of choices for households to bigger teams.
There are additionally eight eating places now authorized to host guests together with the award-winning Orlando’s in Soufriere based by British Caribbean chef, Orlando Satchel. Every restaurant has a devoted time and day when it may open to holidaymakers.
