New Mandatory Tax Levy Details

Dear Guests,

On May 24, 2018, the people of Barbados elected a new Government. The new administration has embarked on a bold, progressive, and assertive program to renew our country’s social and economic fortunes and to further enhance Barbados’ presence as one of the top tourism destinations in the world, as we move towards full development.

The Government of Barbados is seeking to improve its national infrastructure to maintain its competitiveness as a destination for the benefit of all partners and stakeholders. All Barbadians, those who love Barbados, and those that are key partners in the country’s development, have been called upon to play a part in this social and economic restoration.

As an integral component of this strategy, on Monday, June 11, 2018, the Government of Barbados tabled a new national budget in the country’s Parliament. This budget has as its primary aim the raising of additional revenues that will be directed to making the type of overall national improvements that will lead to creating the most satisfactory and functional society for Barbadians and visitors alike.

The Tourism and Hospitality sector, our lead economic earning industry has understandably been called upon to lead the charge of rebuilding the social and economic fortunes of the country. As such, the Government has advised that effective July 1, 2018, a mandatory ‘Room Rate Levy’ will be applied nightly to all registered hotel bills in the following amounts, based on the rating/ranking attributed to them by the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA):

• LUXURY HOTELS – US $10.00 per room per night
• A CLASS HOTELS – US $5.50 per room per night
• B CLASS & APARTMENT HOTELS – US $2.50 per room per night

Sugar Cane Club Hotel is ranked as an A Class property. This levy would be paid in resort by the guest upon arrival in similar fashion as all resort fees are paid either in cash or by credit card. The total levy will be charged to all guests from the 1st July 2018. The levy would also apply to any guests who check in prior to the 1st July but stay in resort after the 1st July.

Thank you for your continued support of Barbados and for your assistance in facilitating the implementation of this initiative.

Sincerely,

Hon. Kerrie Symmonds
Minister of Tourism & International Transport