Janet Silvera, Senior Tourism Writer
Oranjestad, Aruba:
Jamaican hoteliers yesterday said they will be severely challenged to maintain the record levels of tourist arrivals seen in 2006, and warned that their Negril counterparts will be the worst affected.
The island recorded an unprecedented three million visitors in 2006 - both cruise and stopover - and there are estimates of a 10 per cent increase this year.
However, while other resort areas experienced robust business, Negril, the third major tourist resort area in Jamaica, lost ground after a significant decline in both its Italian and German markets and Spring Break business. The situation could get worse for Negril with the controversial Caribbean Community (CARICOM) visa regime hanging over the heads of the Swiss tourists who visit the area.
Accordingly, most of the stakeholders there, especially small hoteliers, feel their only option is the immediate implementation of tax incentives by the Government. This, they argue, would allow existing players to upgrade their product and become competitive.
"Especially during the period of the 15,000 rooms that are scheduled to come on board in the next three years," says Evelyn Smith, area chairperson of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Negril chapter.
Hoteliers out of business
She said that was the only way that the government would be able to grow the section of the market that is rapidly declining. Some Negril hoteliers have already gone out of business, and for those remaining, their latest challenge is the rising utility bills.
"Since the NWC (National Water Commission) installed new meters, my utility costs have gone through the roof," said small hotelier, Carolyn Wright. She told The Gleaner that the water bill at her 32-room resort, Rondell Village, has moved from $46,000 to $245,000 within one month - an increase of over 400 per cent.
Her neighbour, the 30-room Foote Prints On The Sands Hotel also complained that its water bill moved from $250,000 to $500,000 - a 100 per cent increase in one month.
The hoteliers noted that the Negril theme, 'Capital of Casual', is losing its appeal as people are no longer able to walk freely because of fear of harassment.
"Negril's policing efforts must include beach buggies and adequate marine police presence," noted Mrs. Smith.
Responding to the concerns of the group, Tourism Minister Aloun Assamba told The Gleaner that she was willing to sit down with them as early as February to iron out the issues.
"I am willing to go to the Minister of Finance to speak on the tax-incentive issues. However, they need to put together a group and present their case properly."
She added that they can't make their case in the media.
