Accommodating larger groups not a problem for ... - Travelweek

Royal, which represented $69.5
million in revenues, as well as to an
increase in the number of travellers.
In the sun destinations market, selling
prices were inferior to the previous
year, mainly due to a sharp decline in
the second half of the quarter, while
fuel and hotel costs were higher. Load
factors also declined, especially in the
second half of the quarter.
Consequently, North American
operations resulted in an operating
loss of $19.6 million, compared to a
margin of $9.8 million in 2011.
Revenues of European business
units, which are generated by sales
made in Europe and in Canada,
decreased by $7.2 million (3.7%)
over 2011. In France, market
conditions during low season were
extremely difficult for the whole
industry, especially on North African
destinations.
Jamaica to tax
arriving visitors $20
as well as add new
hotel tax of $1-$4 per
room, per night
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s
Ministry of Finance and Planning has
announced a revised tax package for
the island’s tourism industry following
negotiations between the Jamaica
Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA)
and representatives from both the
Ministries of Finance and Planning
and Tourism and Entertainment.
As part of the agreement, all
arriving visitors will be required
to pay a US$20 fee, which will be
included in the ticket cost, effective
Aug. 1, 2012. The agreement will also
see the introduction of a new daily
accommodation tax per occupied
room, per night of US$1 for properties
with less than 51 rooms, US$2 for
hotels with 51 to 100 rooms and US$4
for hotels with 101 rooms and above,
effective Sept. 1, 2012. Currently, unlike
most destinations, hotels in Jamaica
do not charge an accommodation tax.
“SELLING PRICES OF SUN DESTINATION PACKAGES
to Mexico and Caribbean declined sharply in the second
half of the quarter, while fuel costs remained higher, with
negative impact on margins.”
Jamaica’s Tourism and
Entertainment Minister Dr. Wykeham
McNeill commended the JHTA and
other stakeholders for finalizing a
workable compromise to previously
proposed tax rates. McNeill is
convinced that these measures provide
a win-win situation and will ensure
that the country meets its revenue
targets while protecting the tourism
industry, especially small properties.
“The measures were arrived at
in a spirit of cooperation and were
approached with the aim of an
outcome that is beneficial to all parties
involved,” said Evelyn Smith, President
of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist
Association.
Details of the agreement can be
found at the Ministry of Finance and
Planning’s website at mof.gov.jm.
Thomas Cook divides
sales team in two to
provide dedicated
support for FIT and
ITC brands
TORONTO — Thomas Cook’s sales
department has been divided into
two teams in order to provide greater
support to the various brands – the
FIT or Independent team represents
Holiday House, Fun Sun Vacations,
NETS everywhere
airliners.ca
877 727 6387
June 21, 2012 Travelweek 3