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JHTA Optimistic About Prospects For Winter Tourist Season | RJR News - Jamaican News Online
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JHTA optimistic about prospects for winter tourist season

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JHTA President Robin Russell
 
With the winter season to begin on Monday, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is urging managers and workers to use their internal mechanism to settle disputes to avoid any disruption within the sector.
 
There were a series of demonstrations recently by hotel workers over claims of inadequate pay and poor working conditions, among other issues.
 
The Ministry of Tourism is reporting that, despite setbacks, it expects more than 4.2 million visitors to the island at the end of the year.
 
It adds that earnings this year should be more than US$4 billion.
 
JHTA President Robin Russell says any disruption in the sector could hinder the 2024/25 winter tourism season. 
 
"This is the time when money is made in the season. So money is made both for the staff and the hotels, and if we miss a season, then it affects everybody. It affects gratuities, it affects what our occupancy levels look like. So it is now the time for the industry to get together, band together, and really look at having a positive winter season," he asserted. 
 
Mr. Russell added that the issues highlighted by workers have been speedily addressed. 
 
"The message that was sent was a very clear message, and I think all the properties have since heard the message and have started to do what is necessary to mitigate any future strikes. So can it be 100% guaranteed? I can't say yes or no, but what I can say is we are trying. The staff have realised that open dialogue is better than going out and blocking road. And management has also opened those chains to dialogue to bigger heads that are away. So we are very optimistic that that is stuff that's in the past and that we will have a good season," he said while speaking on the Morning Agenda on Power 106FM.
 
JHTA back removal of taxes on tips 
 
In the meantime, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association has given the Andrew Holness-led administration the thumbs up for the planned removal of taxes on tips for the hospitality and service sector.
 
Last month, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said the government will remove taxes on tips as part of his administration's comprehensive strategy aimed at transitioning Jamaica towards robust and inclusive economic growth.
 
Mr. Russell believes the removal of taxes on tips will allow workers in the hospitality and service industry to take more money home.
 
He has also called for the government to remove the taxes on gratuity. 
 
"It's something that we've also advocated for before. This is when tips first started, they were not taxed. And then over the years it started, it morphed into where we are now. And we're happy that we're looking back at not taxing tips. And we're hoping that gratuities will also not be taxed because a gratuity is in a sense a tip given to the staff. So we're encouraged by it and we're really looking forward to seeing it passed into law and that all members can benefit from it," he declared.
 
 


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