Thailand is considering introducing a tourist tax of 300 baht (₹750) for air travellers. This plan has been in discussion for several years but has yet to be enforced. The idea was first approved by the Thai cabinet in 2022, but it has faced delays. A key reason for the delay is the lack of official endorsement through the Royal Gazette.
Thailand Plans To Introduce A Tourist Tax
The country’s new tourism minister, Sorawong Thienthong, is eager to move forward with the plan. He took office recently and aims to boost Thailand’s tourism revenue to 3 trillion baht by the end of the year. He believes the fee will be beneficial for the tourism industry. The revenue collected from the tax can be used to develop infrastructure and tourist attractions. It can also help ensure tourist safety.
The tourist fee will not apply to everyone. Certain groups will be exempt. Children under two years old, people with work permits, diplomatic passport holders, and transit passengers will not have to pay. Those arriving by air will pay 300 baht, while those coming by land or sea will pay 150 baht (₹380).
However, the fee is still not confirmed. More time is needed to assess the system before it is implemented. The final decision may be made later this year. Until then, there is no definite date for when the tax will start.
Not A New Idea
The idea of a tourist tax is not new. Many popular tourist destinations around the world already have such taxes in place. Cities like Barcelona, Paris, Venice, and Edinburgh charge visitors extra fees. The rates and conditions vary by location. In Barcelona, for example, tourists pay both a regional tax and a city surcharge. The total amount can depend on where they stay. In Paris, the tax is adjusted based on the type and rating of accommodation. Visitors staying in luxury hotels pay more.
In Austria, there is a nightly accommodation tax. The amount varies depending on the province. In cities like Vienna and Salzburg, visitors pay about 3.02% of their hotel bill per person. This is on top of the accommodation cost. Belgium also has a tourist tax that differs by city. In Brussels, visitors pay around €7.50 (₹702) per room, and this fee is usually added during check-in or check-out.
Also Read: India Increases Import Taxes On Edible Oil By 20%; A Policy To Support Farmers
Tourist taxes are becoming more common as destinations try to manage the impacts of tourism. The funds raised from these taxes are often used to improve infrastructure, protect the environment, and support local communities. However, they can also face opposition, especially from the private sector, as was seen in Thailand.
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