The percentage rate of tourist fees for foreigners, or bed tax, will be replaced by a flat rate, QazMonitor reports.
Currently, the bed tax amounts to 5% of the accommodation cost. After the change, the rates will be fixed at 0.5 MCI (₸1,725) in the cities of Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent and 0.2 MCI (₸690) in other regions.
Since last November, when the tax was first implemented, business owners raised various questions and concerns regarding how to calculate bed tax. Managing director of the Department of Tourism Damilya Kunanova said the ministry of culture and sports accepted their proposals to set a fixed rate instead.
According to Chairman of the Tourism Industry Committee Dastan Ryspekov, it will take some time to make appropriate changes to the regulations and legislation. He said changes to the decision can take up to 1-1.5 months and changes in the legislation will take place by the end of the year.
Businesses that are excluded from collecting bed tax are recreational centers for kids and hotels at roadside service facilities. The culture and sports ministry will also consider exempting fee payment for children under 18 and charging for the first 14 days of stay.
