Gov’t to give an update on tourism

The Government is to provide an update on the state of the tourism sector.

Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett has called a press conference for Tuesday morning to among other things address plans for the Winter Season which begins on December 15.

He is also expected to provide latest tourism figures.

The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) last week said it was not happy with the level of bookings for next month.

It is keeping its fingers crossed that recent improvements in the US economy and increased flights to Jamaica will lead to an up tick come January.

In the meantime, the JHTA says it is losing hope that the Government will provide additional incentives to the tourism sector.

It was responding to recently announced restrictions on the granting of tax waivers.

President of the Association, Wayne Cummings, says it was a clear sign that no further incentives are on the horizon for tourism players.

“Out of the press release from the Ministry of Finance recently as to discretionary waivers, was that there would be no special consideration for waivers on taxes and so on. I read that to mean that that was an answer in the negative,”

“I can only tell you that it is a clear enough indication that the government is not going down that road, so we are pressing ahead with full recognition that the ability to do business in Jamaica remains tough and is going to get tougher but we are going to press on,” Mr. Cummings said.

Earlier this month the Government placed a freeze on discretionary waivers of all taxes and import duties, excepting those for humanitarian purposes and charitable organizations.