News

FHTA recommends Government to make tax system equitable

May 27, 2019 4:40 am

In its 2019/2020 Budget Submission, the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association has recommended the government to make the tax system fairer and equitable.

FHTA Chief Executive, Fantasha Lockington says government needs taxes but the businesses must be encouraged through fair, transparent and consultative policies and legislations to prosper and grow for tax compliance.

Lockington says a progressive Service Turnover Tax and Environment and Climate Adaptation Levy (ECAL) tax structure needs to be implemented.

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“Maybe there needs to be a staggered approach to the taxes so that as you making more then you are paying a little bit more rather than paying a huge amount.”

Lockington says they’re looking at ways on how they can provide more incentives for development.

“We are not seeing newer hotels and resorts coming up. Often it’s taken a very long time. Few hotels have come up in last 5 to 10 years and we would like to see more development happen and there need to be more investment there.”

The FHTA’s 2019/2020 budget submission is divided into 3 sections discussing specific areas that impact tourism and business opportunities.