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Gov't to introduce AirBnB Tax legislation

-Gov Augustus J.U. Jaspert says new legislation will help boost tourism development
Following an April 30, 2019, Cabinet decision where property owners who lease their homes through Air BnB, are now required to pay hotel accommodation tax in the Virgin Islands (VI), Governor of the Virgin Islands Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert says a new AirBnB Tax legislation will soon be introduced. Photo: VINO/File
Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert said the government will place special focus on different pieces of tourism legislation to ensure that the Virgin Islands remain on the bleeding edge with Tourism being a strong pillar. Photo: VINO/File
Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert said the government will place special focus on different pieces of tourism legislation to ensure that the Virgin Islands remain on the bleeding edge with Tourism being a strong pillar. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Following an April 30, 2019, Cabinet decision where property owners who lease their homes through AirBnB, are now required to pay hotel accommodation tax in the Virgin Islands (VI), Governor of the Virgin Islands Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert says new AirBnB Tax legislation will soon be introduced.

The Governor made the announcement during his November 14, 2019, "Speech from the Throne,' when the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) convened at the House of Assembly (HoA) Chambers in Road Town, Tortola.

AirBnB under the microscope

"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. 

With that, Mr Jaspert said the government will place special focus on different pieces of tourism legislation to ensure that the Virgin Islands remain on the bleeding edge with Tourism being a strong pillar.

"Our Government will introduce the AirBnB Tax legislation and Yachting Aid legislation to ensure the development of the local tourism product. Tourism development also means investing in the infrastructure locally and recognising the Film Commission as a vibrant investment center that can boost revenue," Governor Jaspert said. 

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.

Anti-Visitor Harassment 

He said more regulation will come for the Tourism Act, "which will include, but not limited to the Anti Visitor Harassment and Solicitation legislation. The efforts will be buttressed with the National Tourism Strategic Plan to bring more legislative and regulatory structure to the Territory."

The structure he says, will include the establishment of stronger linkages and involvement of all sectors within the Territory to ensure “one tourism” mandate.

According to Governor Jaspert, the Government will further use those opportunities to improve the linkages between tourism and other productive sectors such as fishing, agriculture, and cultural heritage. 

16 Responses to “Gov't to introduce AirBnB Tax legislation”

  • Wonder (16/11/2019, 12:53) Like (15) Dislike (13) Reply
    Just tax and tax is all we getting... soon we nobody will be able to afford to live here.
    • old people say (16/11/2019, 12:55) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
      well is massa words, not like if we independent
    • wow (16/11/2019, 20:31) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
      Stop going to every jam and save your darn money. That’s a large percentage of people in this generation biggest issue...
  • Hmmmm (16/11/2019, 13:54) Like (16) Dislike (7) Reply
    The BVI already have the highest Airport tax... To add more just raises the ticket price then the Airline gete blame for high ticket prices... Almost half the ticket price are taxes.......This government is trying to get money at any means possible.
  • See (16/11/2019, 16:43) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
    just chasing people away . Ask the crewed charterboat crews how unfriendly we have become as well as the day boats from St Thomas . Lets not chase the toursts who spend the most .
    • Couple of thoughts (18/11/2019, 08:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Most hotels in N. America have a hotel tax. Many AirBnB locations have legislation that requires them to collect and pay occupancy taxes. But the devil is in the details. AirBnB does not apportion payment (meaning an owner is unable to prove that taxes collected in his behalf were actually paid). AirBnB acts as a host's agent in collecting said taxes, but if you read their agreement, it asks you to indemnify them for any tax related matters. If there is a tax screw top, you're on your own, without records. So, exactly what kind of language do you imagine any agreement AirBnB may have with BVIs? Remember that AirBnB is in > 1,000 locations world wide, so just how much do they really care about any one location, host, or customer? All that said, I doubt AirBnB tax will scare away tourists nearly as much as the arrival tax, environmental tax (wha....and place is trashed???), departure tax, security tax....
  • Raydio (16/11/2019, 17:03) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Bout time
  • No wonder (16/11/2019, 17:42) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Can't please people... we want moderation but don't want what comes with it... why must hotels pay tax and people with small hostels using air Bnb don't?
  • Kingfish (16/11/2019, 18:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why is his speech called "Speech From The Throne" ?. Please don't regard this as a silly question.
    • Ohlala (17/11/2019, 06:47) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      I think it's because the governor is the person giving the speech and he represents the queen and the queen represents the throne
    • The Hooded Claw (17/11/2019, 10:01) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      Because that's where he sat when he wrote it! Lol
  • Win (16/11/2019, 22:52) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Meanwhile the tourism budget getting decreased. They not serious about tourism. Just more lip service
  • Hmm (17/11/2019, 02:31) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    It seems the UK is serious about legislation to help the people. Medical cannabis, visitor harrassment, green economy, gambling and most recent announcement airbnb.

    Big moves for the BVI.
  • Observer (17/11/2019, 08:48) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is good for the goose should be good for the gander.... I don't see what is the big issue?
  • SORRY BUT (19/11/2019, 07:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Air BnB is already collecting the tax from customers on behalf of the BVI so does that mean they expect Airbnb properties to pay double tax?? Is anyone from this govt actually in tune with what’s going on?


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