New Tax in Jamaica for Cruise Passengers

The Jamaican government has imposed what it calls tourism enhancement fees on all arriving air and cruise passengers, as of May 1. The new fees - $10 per air traveler and $2 per cruise passenger - will be levied in addition to the country´s existing $20 departure tax, and likewise will be rolled into air and cruise ticket prices.

Jamaican tourism minister Aloun Ndombet-Assamba explained the new fees, first proposed last spring, will raise much-needed capital for the maintenance and improvement of tourism infrastructure. Unlike departure tax monies, which end up in general-use government funds, the tourism enhancement fees will be deposited in a tourism-specific account.

Addressing complaints about an additional financial burden on Jamaica´s tourism industry, Ndombet-Assamba said the government is not taxing the hoteliers, attraction owners or the Jamaican people. Jamaican flag carrier Air Jamaica already began adding the new tax to its airfares from April 26.