Ministry to Clamp Down On Delinquent Persons in Tourism Sector
By: , June 8, 2015The Key Point:
Photo: Sharon Earle
Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, addresses the 54th Annual General Meeting and Convention of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel and Spa, in Montego Bay, on June 6. Minister McNeill told members of the JHTA that there is no room for unregistered and unlicensed operators in the industry.The Facts
- The Minister was addressing the 54th Annual General Meeting and Convention of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel and Spa, in Montego Bay, on June 6.
- He told the industry leaders that he will be taking recommendations to Cabinet for drafting instructions within the next three months.
The Full Story
Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, says the Government will be amending the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Act, to clamp down on persons operating businesses in the tourism industry without proper registration and licences.
“We are ramping up efforts to boost compliance with guidelines within the sector. We have had constant consultations and will be amending the JTB Act to make it more effective, by introducing stiffer penalties and increased fines,” Dr. McNeill said.
The Minister was addressing the 54th Annual General Meeting and Convention of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel and Spa, in Montego Bay, on June 6.
“While we seek to grow our tourism sector, we also have to regulate the industry. While most of you here are regulated there are many others who refuse to be compliant and who place themselves, the industry and Brand Jamaica at significant risk,” Dr. McNeill said.
He told the industry leaders that he will be taking recommendations to Cabinet for drafting instructions within the next three months.
“The onus is on each and every player in the sector to comply with the relevant guidelines. Compliance with the required standards is very important to the success of the sector, as it improves the overall quality of our tourism product,” the Minister said.