Hoteliers fear closures, job losses

Damion Mitchell, Editor - Radio & Online



The president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Evelyn Smith is reporting that the new taxes levied on the sector could lead to the closure of some businesses or job losses.



The JHTA is holding an emergency meeting among its members tomorrow to assess the extent of the impact the new taxes on the hotel sector.



However, speaking on Independent Talk on Power 106 this morning, Smith said the early indications are that there will be some fallout in the hotel sector.



Last Thursday, the finance minister Dr Peter Phillips announced that come September 1, a new room tax will be implemented for hotels.



He also announced other measures which will directly impact the hotel sector come June 1.



These include the introduction of GCT to certain items that were previously non-tax as well as an increase in the Special Consumption Tax on white rum.



Meanwhile, Smith said overseas agents and tour operators are yet to inform their customers about the increased taxes.



The JHTA head said the stakeholders are hoping there can be some changes in the proposed taxes before the Budget Debate closes.



She said the implementation date of September 1 is too sudden as some contracts have already been made with customers.



radio@gleanerjm.com