Travel tax collection won't normalize until 2024 -TIEZA exec

The collection of travel taxes is projected to normalize by 2024 amid the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country's tourism industry, an official from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) said Thursday.

"Based on study, for 2024 pa magno-normalize yung collection ng travel tax," said Pocholo Paragas, TIEZA chief operating officer, during the House budget deliberations of the proposed budget of the Department of Tourism.

Paragas brought up the issue involving travel taxes after Samar Representative Sharee Ann Tan asked the TIEZA if the construction of a boardwalk along San Juanico Bridge, which was suspended amid the health crisis, would continue after the situation has normalized.

"We have the lights doon sa San Juanico Bridge, pagdating na magiging normal na lahat, mag-iinflux yung mga turista, kailangan talaga ng boardwalk kasi doon kikita yung people's organization and the community," she said.

"I would like to ask if it's possible by next year, mapopondohan natin yung hindi natuloy na project for the boardwalk?" she added.

Paragas said they have already created a roll out program for all projects that have been suspended.

"In terms of the boardwalk, it is currently suspended now due to the Bayanihan Act. And once we get the influx of travel tax again and tourism again increases outbound wise, naka-schedule na siya," he said.

"The moment we get already the projects that travel tax increases, the suspended projects will automatically roll over," he added.

Domestic and international tourism travel has been suspended following the imposition of quarantine restrictions in the country to curb the further spread of COVID-19.

Some tourist spots in Tagaytay City, however, have recently re-opened after the city allowed tourists to visit the area under modified general community quarantine.

Boracay likewise opened to tourists from Western Visayas provinces on June 16, with six of its hotels reopening.

The DOT is proposing a total budget of P3.8 billion for next year, of which P3.5 billion will be allocated to the department proper while P90.3 million will be for the Intramuros Administration and P230.2 million for the National Parks Development Committee. -MDM, GMA News