The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) has weighed in on the Jamaica Labour Party's proposal to double the national minimum wage.
JLP leader Dr. Andrew Holness made the announcement at a party meeting on Sunday.
The JHTA is urging the JLP administration to consult with key stakeholders before proceeding with its proposal, warning that failure to do so increases the risks of creating economic shocks for businesses and workers.
According to the association, any sudden wage increases without proper dialogue and phased implementation strategies could inadvertently result in reduced employment opportunities, higher operational costs and increased prices being passed on to consumers.
The JHTA said it wants to see structured dialogue that fully considers the realities of the tourism sector, the broader economy and Jamaica's long-term competitiveness.
It argued that decisions of this magnitude must be grounded in collaboration, data-driven analysis and transparency to ensure policies designed to uplift workers do not inadvertently weaken the industries that sustain them.
It added that the government should utilise the Minimum Wage Advisory Commission in its undertaking to ensure transparency, fairness and balance in decision-making.
According to the JHTA, tourism accounts for approximately one-third of Jamaica's gross domestic product and is one of the country's largest employers. As such, it said any shift in wage policy would have wide-ranging implications for the sector.
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