The amendment called for the implementation of the arrival fee on Oct. 1, 2008.
In a letter to the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) leaders, the president said the delay was also being done because the Senate has passed a subsequent amendment to put off the implementation to April 1, 2009 and to deal with the collection issue by converting the arrival fee into a departure fee.Under the PAN law amendment the International Air Transport Association(AITA) will be tapped to be used as an outside source.The president however said that he prefers the concept of an arrival fee than the departure fee, but changes to the PAN law should be passed on its final form.“I believe the most important issue is the passage of this act in a final form to permit a long term financial commitment to PAN.On Oct. 3, the Senate on final and third reading approved the measure that provides the procedure of collection of “green fee” to be collected from tourists.The measure proposed amendments to RPPL No. 7-42, and that the bill when approved, will call for the collection of $30 from tourist and visitor as environmental protection arrival fee.Under the measure each airline operating in Palau will be the one to collect the green fee for tourists and visitors. The Green Fee collection shall be collected with the departure tax as set forth in 40 PNC §1403 and the regulations promulgated under it. Palau has put in place a comprehensive PAN. The PAN served as the foundation for Palau’s natural resource conservation efforts.Under the law, PAN ensures that the reserve will have access to technical assistance and sustainable financing.
