(1) The issue of a licence under section 9 shall fix—
(a) the effective date at which the tourism product is licensed to operate as a business; and
(b) if the owner or operator of the tourism product is entitled to any tax benefit, the effective date from which such benefit accrues.
(2) The date fixed by issue of a licence to an owner or operator is taken to be the initial year of income for the purpose of computing tax benefits.