Tour operators are predicting a downturn in bookings to Jamaica if they fail to reverse a decision to increase the country’s airport tax.
Both the Federation of Tour Operators and the International Federation of Tour Operators have written to Jamaica’s minister of tourism Francis Tulloch arguing that the increase in the tax from $21 to $26 from June 1 is likely to have a detrimental effect on tourism to the country.
FTO chairman Martin Brackenbury said:”Airport taxes are a big mistake and hinder tourism. This is particularly bad timing because Jamaica was already having a difficult time and was only just beginning to recover. It was unhelpful to have very short notice of an increase in airport taxes at a time when Jamaica needed to build confidence among consumers.
“It also means our brochures are inaccurate. This is not good news for consumers. We should have at least a year’s notice of tax increases.”
The Jamaican government is expected to announce its response to the FTO within the next two weeks. Jamaica Tourist Board director David Barber said: “We are expecting a decision within the next two weeks. I am hoping it will be looked at favourably.”