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VI & Airbnb ink Hotel Accommodation Tax agreement

The world famous Cane Garden Bay beach: The Virgin Islands (VI) and booking service Airbnb have official inked agreements for the voluntary collection of the Hotel Accommodation Tax on transient occupancy. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said Government views Airbnb as a valuable part of the territory’s economic landscape. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said Government views Airbnb as a valuable part of the territory’s economic landscape. Photo: VINO/File
Airbnb allows property owners to lease their home spaces or accommodations to international travellers through a mobile application available on several platforms with the aim of allowing them to earn extra revenues. Photo: Internet Source
Airbnb allows property owners to lease their home spaces or accommodations to international travellers through a mobile application available on several platforms with the aim of allowing them to earn extra revenues. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The Virgin Islands (VI) and booking service Airbnb have official inked agreements for the voluntary collection of the Hotel Accommodation Tax on transient occupancy.

This comes following an April 30, 2019 Cabinet decision where property owners who lease their homes through AirBnB are now required to pay hotel accommodation tax.

According to a GIS release, the agreement was signed on November 20, 2019, by the Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) on behalf of the Government while International Senior Tax Manager, Mr Alan Maher signed on behalf of Airbnb.

“Your Government views Airbnb as a valuable part of our economic landscape and contributing positively to the economy,” Premier Fahie said during his 2020 budget presentation on November 19, 2019.

Tourism Sector Boost 

Ahead of the agreement, Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert during his November 14, 2019, "Speech from the Throne,' promised that legislation will come with the aim of boosting revenues for the tourism sector.

"On an immediate priority basis, our Government will give the tourism sector the attention and level of priority it deserves and focus on strengthening the accommodation sector, bringing new hotel investment, and supporting the marine sector," he said.

GIS has since indicated that over 2,000 guests booked accommodation through Airbnb between July 2017 and July 2018, with an average stay of four days. Airbnb allows property owners to lease their home spaces or accommodations to international travellers through a mobile application available on several platforms.

5 Responses to “VI & Airbnb ink Hotel Accommodation Tax agreement”

  • Greg (15/12/2019, 19:13) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is good news. All of this time the home owners going through Air B&B were not paying taxes. Not fair to us who do have to pay for our rentals.
  • pat (15/12/2019, 22:52) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply

    Say one say 2 the VIP WORKING THEIR R@$$ OFF

  • Business (16/12/2019, 08:10) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Actually, part of the problem here is that it is not easy for a homeowner to get a trade license. The demand for housing encourages informal trading. It would make sense to make it easier for homeowners and landlords to get a trade license and for them to pay taxes. Then there is a record of landlords and there can also be a way to verify that taxes have been paid. Just remember, AirBnB is not your friend.
  • Wonder (16/12/2019, 09:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope they actually pay over the monies and no rocket doesn't start
  • Outsider (16/12/2019, 19:55) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope that we are remembering that these Airbnb originated in shearing our homes. And our homes are bordered by neighbours. The same neighbors who rearing fowls, sheep and doing mechanics in their back yard. BVI promoting Tourism and don't have a clue about the subject. What ah set ah jokes, Lord send help fast


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