Some tourism industry leaders raise concerns about whether government can meet its HK$1.1 billion annual income target under policy
Hong Kong only received HK$189 million (US$24.1 million) in the first quarter under a reintroduced hotel accommodation tax, authorities have revealed, prompting some tourism industry leaders to raise concerns about whether the government can meet its HK$1.1 billion annual income target.
Sector veterans also called for more government support measures, telling the Post that the tax figures reflected that hotels were struggling and had been forced to reduce their prices to attract tourists.
The 3 per cent tax, which applies to all patrons, was reintroduced on January 1.
The government announced the policy’s return last year and said the measure was expected to bring in HK$1.1 billion each year. The tax was previously waived in 2008.
