T-GST to increase to 12 percent after ceasing Bed Tax in November

Parliament has today passed to continue collection of tourism Bed Tax until the end of November 2014, and to increase the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (T-GST) from 8 to 12 percent, upon ceasing the Bed Tax at the end of November.

Collection of the $8 Bed Tax was discontinued at the end of December 2013 after the parliament failed to extend the deadline set by the Tourism Act, introduced 14 years ago.

The amendment to increase Tourism GST to 12 percent was passed by 39 votes in favour. The amendment was proposed Fuvahmulaku-north MP Shifag Mufeed.

Amendment to the GST Act to continue collection of Bed Tax until November this year, proposed by MP Abdul Azeez Jamaal Aboobakuru, was passed by 38 votes in favour and 18 against.

Changes to the GST Act, a concession for resort owners to pay the lease extension fees in installments over a 24 month-period, proposed by Ungoofaaru MP Ameen Ibrahim and passed with 38 votes in favour and 18 against.