Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is to meet leaders of the tourism industry next week after the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) intensified its opposition to the proposed increase in general consumption tax (GCT) on tourism activities.

JHTA President Christopher Jarrett told the association's 65th annual general meeting on Saturday, at Sandals Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, St Ann, that the organisation had been seeking discussions with the Government since March and would meet Holness on July 2, to present its concerns about the planned tax measure.

While stressing that the association supports responsible fiscal management and recognises the financial pressures facing the country following Hurricane Melissa, Jarrett said tourism operators could not support the proposed increase because many hotels and attractions were locked into contracts negotiated years in advance.