Bahrain introduces new tourist tax: Here are the details

MANAMA – The authorities in Bahrain have announced to introduction of a new tourist tax, following the footsteps of many countries that have introduced such types of taxes recently.

The Ministry of Tourism has implemented a new tourist tax on hotel stays all over the country. This tax will have to be paid by visitors staying in hotels and other accommodations.

The purpose of the tax is to generate revenue for tourism development and infrastructure projects. The tax is part of Bahrain’s efforts to boost its tourism sector and provide improved services and facilities for tourists.

In this regard, the fee will be implemented from May 1st across the country. Travelers staying in hotels will be subject to a tax of three Bahraini dinars per room per day. This tax will be applied to each occupied room and is aimed at contributing to the funding of tourism-related initiatives and improvements in the kingdom.

Furthermore, the authorities have communicated the travel agencies and airlines about the tax. It is advised that the tourism tax should be added to the room charges. This ensures that tourists are aware of the tax and that it will not affect their stay.

Moreover, the purpose of this measure is to standardize additional costs related to the hotel and to promote transparency for visitors. The implementation of the new tax will create a significant revenue stream. The tax could provide an annual increase in the state budget of up to three million dinars. The expectation is based on the forecast that occupancy will reach forty percent per year.

The concept of tourism tax is not new and many popular destinations like Bali, parts of the UK, Venice and other spots impose tax on tourists to help preserve the environment and inculcate in visitors, a sense of ownership and responsibility.