Jamaica’s tourism industry is still recovering from the worst series of shocks in its history, leaving the sector ill-prepared to absorb a proposed increase in the general consumption tax (GCT), Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) President O’Brian Heron has argued.

Heron said many hotels remain under pressure from rising operating costs and growing competition from regional destinations as the industry continues its recovery.

Heron’s comments came after tourism industry representatives met with Finance Minister Fayval Williams and officials from the Ministry of Tourism last Thursday to discuss the Government’s proposal to increase the GCT applicable to the sector from 10 per cent to 15 per cent.