JHTA: Airbnb Not Just A Small Man’s Hustle

With rates ranging from US$10 to US$4,140 per night, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is contending that local Airbnb-type operators cannot be considered as “just a small man’s hustle”.

JHTA President Omar Robinson, in a stinging response to criticisms levelled against the association since it called for a minimum payment of tax by the shared economy, said that while the industry includes a number of small and modest properties, some facilities are very large and luxurious.

Airbnb is an online platform that allows persons to arrange or offer lodging, primarily homestays, or tourism experiences.

“Let us, therefore, dispel this view that Airbnb-type businesses are just a small man’s hustle! Some very significant businesses and individuals are invested in Airbnb-type ventures,” Robinson said in a media release on Thursday.

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JHTA responds to Jamaica Observer Editorial entitled “Gov't must not fall into JHTA trap on short-term rentals"

JHTA responds to Jamaica Observer Editorial entitled “Gov't must not fall into JHTA trap on short-term rentals

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, July 4, 2019 – The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) notes with concern the recent discussions on Social Media as well as in the print and broadcast media surrounding our position on the regulation of Airbnb and other types of accommodation-sharing platforms that operate here in Jamaica.

Of particular note is the Editorial published in the Daily Observer of July, 4, 2019 which incorrectly asserted that the JHTA is attempting to “hijack the Government to straightjacket our competition”. Nothing could be further from the truth and is in fact an offensive overreach by such a respected newspaper. Competition is and should always be the name of the game in the tourism industry. Our members, small, medium and large, all compete everyday locally, regionally and internationally for their share of business.

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President’s Address delivered at the JHTA AGM on June 29, 2019 at the Hilton Rosehall Resort and Spa.

ADDRESS BY OMAR ROBINSON, PRESIDENT JAMAICA HOTEL & TOURIST ASSOCIATION AT THE JAMAICA HOTEL & TOURIST ASSOCIATION’S 58 TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & CONVENTION HILTON ROSE HALL RESORT MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019

Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism
Mrs. Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism
Mrs. Patricia Affonso-Dass, President of the CHTA
Mr Godfrey Dyer, Chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund
Mr. Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board
Dr Carey Wallace, Executive Director, Tourism Enhancement Fund
Mrs Joy Roberts, Executive Director, Jamaica Vacations
Vice Presidents of the JHTA – Mrs Carol Bourke, Ms. Vana Taylor , Mr. Robert Headley and Mr. Christopher Jarrett
Members of the Council, Area Chairmen
Past Presidents; Mr Wayne Cummings, Mrs Nicola Madden-Greig and Mr. James Samuels
Executive Director, Mrs. Camille Needham
Members of the Association
Travel and Media Partners
Other Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning.

It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to our 58 th Annual General Meeting & Convention!

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Corporate Hands | JHTA Gives Computer To Maxfield Park Children's Home

The Easter tradition in Jamaica is for gifts of bun and cheese but the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) went several notches above that last week providing an early Easter treat and a computer for the caregivers, administrators and children of the Maxfield Park Children’s Home in Kingston.

JHTA Executive Director, Camille Needham and President, Omar Robinson accompanied by Vana Taylor, first vice president and Robert Headley, third vice president, presented the computer to Winston Bowen, the Home’s Manager, on behalf of the JHTA Charity Fund.

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