Guernsey Tourism Tax plans are underway, and the Tourism Management Board (TMB) has expressed broad support for the proposal. Hannah Beacom, TMB chair, emphasized that her support hinges on the revenue generated being reinvested in the tourism industry.
Beacom stressed that the tax should be modest to avoid deterring visitors. “We don’t want to scare people off,” she said. This highlights the importance of balancing generating revenue and maintaining a welcoming environment for tourists.
Moreover, the TMB raised concerns about the cost of collecting the tax. This is a crucial consideration, as the board wants to ensure that the benefits of the tax outweigh the costs.
Additionally, Beacom suggested exploring an app-based system to collect the tax. However, the cost of implementing such technology is still unknown.
Meanwhile, the proposed goods and services tax (GST) has sparked concerns about the impact of the tourism tax. Beacom questioned whether it would be fair to implement a tourism tax on top of the GST.
Furthermore, Guernsey State Treasurer and Chief Resources Officer, Bethan Haines, confirmed that further revenue-raising measures would be presented to the States in due course.
The TMB’s cautious approach to the Guernsey Tourism Tax reflects the need to balance revenue generation with the potential impact on the island’s tourism industry.
The Guernsey Tourism Tax plans are moving forward, with the TMB emphasizing a fair and modest approach.
