Home News 2020 May Tourism Accommodations Update: Waiver of Tourism Accommodation Tax

Tourism Accommodations Update: Waiver of Tourism Accommodation Tax

Cayman Islands 27 May 2020

Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

The Ministry of District Administration, Tourism and Transport and Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (DOT) have received approval from the Cabinet to waive the tourist accommodation tax (TAT) for the period 1 April 2020 - 30 September 2020. Surcharges for late payment of tourism taxes for the months of February and March 2020 will also be waived. These measures have been adopted due to the closure of the Government Administration Building in accordance to the COVID-19 Shelter In Place provisions which came in to effect on 25 March 2020.

This temporary relief measure for the tourism accommodation sector will assist many properties that are currently closed and struggling to meet their financial obligations during this COVID-19 pandemic crisis lockdown. The Deputy Premier, Hon. Moses Kirkconnell, noted: “The Ministry of Tourism and DOT are committed to the development of strategic medium to long term plans for tourism that will help our industry today and prepare us for the future when our country resumes tourism activities. The Cayman Islands tourism industry is resilient and together we will build it back stronger than ever.”
Tourist accommodation tax return forms will not be required for submission until 1 September 2020 for all accommodations. If guests are currently staying at a tourist accommodation, the required Government tax of 13% is waived for the approved period of 1 April 2020 – 30 September 2020.

Timeshare Tax is not included in the waiver and the usual submission requirements apply.

All businesses are reminded that during the COVID-19 crisis, the Public Health Regulations are in effect with the goal of preventing, controlling and suppressing the transmission of this virus. All violations are being strictly enforced by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

For further information on taxes, email all inquiries to ar@caymanislands.ky or gbodden@caymanislands.ky. For general queries, please contact the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism at 949-0623.

Tourism Accommodations Update: Waiver of Tourism Accommodation Tax

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