FHTA says TST confusion could have been avoided

The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) asserts that the current confusion surrounding the new Tourism Services Tax could have been prevented if the government had heeded industry feedback.

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the association raised concerns about the five percent tax months before it was gazetted.

FHTA Chief Executive Fantasha Lockington explained that the association voiced concerns about the five percent tax well in advance of its official gazetting. Key industry requests, such as exempting already booked and paid-for holidays, were not incorporated into the final legislation.

Furthermore, the FHTA had requested a more extended period between the release of tax guidelines and the September 1 implementation date. Lockington noted that the guidelines were only finalized recently, leaving travel agents and tourism operators with mere days to adapt their booking and invoicing procedures.

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the guidelines were only finalised yesterday, leaving travel agents and tourism operators just days to adjust their booking and invoicing systems.

This delay and lack of clarity have already generated concern among major tourism markets, including Australia and New Zealand, where travel agents are questioning the collection process for existing bookings. Lockington warned that the ongoing confusion risks damaging Fiji's reputation as a reliably managed tourism destination.

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the confusion could damage Fiji’s reputation as a well-managed tourism destination.