Tourism
Sector
 The
Government is encouraging an increase in the number of hotel rooms and
the upgrading of existing plant and other facilities in the tourism sector.
To facilitate this growth, the Government has made available a package
of incentives for which companies are eligible once in a period of five
years. This comprises mainly duty-free and consumption tax concessions
for basic furnishings, plant equipment and building materials. Tax concessions
are limited to 50% of the value of the investment.
Qualifying Criteria:
To qualify for an exemption of Customs Duty and Consumption Tax, the
following are required:
- The company must be registered under the Business Names (Registration)
Act, Chapter 90:05
- Submission of a project profile which includes the level of investment,
expected employment generation, marketing strategy, implementation schedule
and source of financing
- An Environmental Impact Statement for the Project
- Evidence of title to or interest in the land
- Tax compliance, where applicable
- National Insurance Scheme (social security) compliance (where applicable)
- An audited financial statement where applicable.
Eligibility Requirements
The following businesses are eligible for tourism concessions:
- An existing guest house or hotel with no less than 15 rooms
- An existing resort development in interior locations
- Existing tour operators and tourist facilities approved by the Ministry
of Tourism or its designated authority.
The following minimum characteristics for a new investment are required:
- A guest house or hotel must be for at least 15 rooms
- The new investment must be for a resort development in an interior
location;
Resorts in the interior are exempt from paying the 10% room tax.
The following items are eligible for consumption tax and duty free importation:
| Television and video recorders |
Washing machines/dryers |
| Microwave ovens |
Air conditioners |
| Refrigerators/freezers |
Electric lamps |
| Gas and electric stoves |
Beds |
| Dishwashers |
Ceiling fans |
| Ice makers |
Solar and electric water heating systems |
| Toilette equipment and fittings |
Elevators |
| Bath tubs and fittings |
Building materials |
For interior locations, the following items, in addition to those above,
are eligible for concessions:
Transportation equipment
(4 x 4 vehicles) |
Generators |
| Boats and engines |
Communication equipment (radio sets) |
| Portable toilets |
Life jackets |
| Camping equipment |
Water bikes |
|
Key Sectors
Ministry
of Tourism, Industry & Commerce
Tourism
& Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) |
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