When tourists go to the Philippines, you need to be able to walk to their hotel
Posted November 21, 2019 09:17:49A tourist in the Philippines is forced to pay a high rate of tax in order to be allowed to travel there.
The Australian Government announced on Monday that the country would introduce an additional $50 fee for people who choose to visit the Philippines and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The increase will apply to those who visit five or more times a year.
The additional tax will also apply to tourists who plan to travel to the country for five or fewer consecutive days.
Australia is the second largest economy in the world, with nearly 70 million people.
The Commonwealth of Nations is expected to announce a similar tax in the coming days.
The tax will affect the tourism industry in the country, which is one of the world’s top destinations for foreign tourists.
Australian tourism company, Tourism Australia, said the change would be a boost for the tourism sector.
“The Australian government is investing in the tourism economy in Australia and ensuring that Australians are able to enjoy this great nation while visiting its great beaches, pristine wildlife and stunning scenery,” Tourism Australia’s chief executive, Peter Fitzpatrick, said in a statement.
“Tourism is one key pillar of Australia’s economy and we are proud to partner with the Commonwealth to help provide a level playing field and greater value for Australians in this exciting sector.”
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said it was “very welcome” that the Commonwealth had taken the action.
“We are looking forward to working with the Government of the Philippines to ensure that the new visa policy for tourism is a fairer and more reasonable measure for all Australians,” he said in the statement.
The change will apply for those travelling to the Commonwealth from March 1 next year, or if they are coming to Australia as a visitor, for the same period.
It is expected that those coming from the Commonwealth will pay the fee, with the new tax set to apply to visitors from June 1 next time.
The Australian dollar has fallen against the US dollar since the announcement, and the move could affect the local economy.
It has already seen some tourists cancel plans to go to Japan, South Korea and South Africa, and some have reported difficulties with their visa applications.