Originally Posted by
RogerD408
Typically you will get credit. Where you want to be concerned is where you pay the TA and not the hotel. Then they can book one of their industry rates that would not qualify, not to mention the fact that you're not paying the hotel in the first place. I would bet booking through SPG would also qualify for the local regulations.
Actually, travellers need to pay for everything (even food, guide and transport) and deposit the money in advance through approved travel agent in order to get them to apply for visa from the government (no there's no such thing as individual travel visa), so in this case the tour company will Arrange and pay for everything as part of the (private) tour charge.. Which is why i'm asking, since it's not like we have much choice in this case due to government regulation.