Hoteliers can now submit their monthly accommodation tax returns and make payments online, through the Belize Tourist Board’s new Online portal which became operational on Wednesday, November 1.
At the official launch at BTB’s headquarters in Belize City, BTB’s Business Development Manager Shou-Ku “Sean” Tang explained that the new portal will increase efficiency, accuracy and accountability 100 per cent. He said the system would speed up business as it is intended to be paper free and hassle free, making transactions easy, fast, secure accurate and convenient.
The system was developed in collaboration with the four commercial banks: Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, Scotiabank and Heritage Bank, so the BTB’s Online Portal also gives access to a banking portal for the hotels can also make their tax payments online.
To register, the managements of hotels licensed as BTB entities need only to contact the BTB for the necessary owner/manager information, which will be emailed to them with their log-in information, after which they need only access the BTB Online portal at https://online.belizetourimsboard.org, and log-in with their email, password and user control ID.
This is but the first phase of the portal’s development, Tang explained. In the second phase which is expected to become operational early next year, guests will be able to register at their hotel on a computer, tablet or phone or any device with a touchscreen, allowing the BTB to have up to the minute information on the hotel’s earnings, for total transparency for when it comes time for the hotel to submit monthly returns. Guest information will also be entered into the BTB’s Tourism Data Management System database, allowing the BTB to now have real time information on the number of rooms occupied throughout the country, percentage occupancy by individual hotel, and other tourism industry statistics.
The third phase of the portal’s development will introduce additional report capabilities such as licensing and renewal features for hotels, tour guides, tour operators and qualified retired persons.
BTB’s Registrar of Hotels and Director of Business Development Jacqueline Locke said the four commercial banks were fully onboard with the development of the new system, and a Scotiabank representative affirmed that the bank was ready to offer this faster and secure service to their clients.
