The city’s tourism industry is looking at a MOP 379 million windfall as the government reduces or nixes taxes.
This is expected to benefit over 370 tourism service establishments.
The measure aims to revive the economy and propel Macao’s travel trade towards revitalisation, according to a spokesman at the Macao Government Tourism Office.
Hotels, nightclubs, bars, saunas, health clubs, massage parlours and karaoke lounges will be exempt from the tourism tax levied at 5 per cent on their services, effective from 11 May until 31 December.
If tourism service establishments levy tourism tax on consumers unlawfully within the period of tax exemption, upon discovery, it is mandatory for the establishments to be taxed in accord and be subject to a fine, the Macau Daily Times reported. With the steady rise in visitor arrivals this year, the MGTO said that it is dedicated to the supervision of licensed establishments.
