The Jamaican Government has approved an increase in the Tourism Enhancement Fee (TEF), doubling it to $20 for all visitors to the island.
The tourist tax applies to all airline tickets, one-way and return, that are purchased outside Jamaica and will come into effect on 1 October.
Additional funds, the government says, will be injected back into the country’s tourism infrastructure.
Jamaica has seen a rise in the number of visitors year on year over the past decade. In 2010 alone visitor arrivals were up by 5 per cent.
John Lynch, Chairman of the Jamaican Tourist Board, is pleased with Jamaica’s popularity in the face of a global recession.
“In the midst of the global economic challenges, Jamaica’s growth in 2010 is remarkable.
“We are fortunate to have an unrivalled tourism product offering diverse holiday experiences to the most discerning traveller and this is complimented by a high quality service which makes our visitors want to return.”
The Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Edmund Bartlett, recently predicted that tourism on the island will grow by 6.5 per cent in 2011.
(Image: 04deveni)
