JHTA addresses Misconceptions About the TEF

In view of the misconceptions that have come to light about the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) in the wake of the Government’s decision to transfer the funds to the Consolidated Fund, the JHTA thinks it is not only useful, but important to offer some insight into the matter. We recognize that these sentiments may have arisen from the fact that the general public may be understandably unaware of the many ways in which the TEF has supported communities at the micro level, as well as national growth and development at the macro level.†This letter is an attempt to address this, and to outline a few of the contributions of the Fund for the greater good of the nation.

It is useful by way of context to give a bit of background regarding the origins and objectives of the TEF. The TEF was established in 2004 specifically in response to the fact that there was a shortfall in the allocation of funds for the upkeep of the resort areas, thus diminishing the attractiveness of our world-renowned tourism product. After much consultation with the our overseas travel partners, it was agreed that an enhancement fee of US$10 would be applied to all airline tickets originating outside Jamaica. It was agreed that the proceeds from collections must be placed in a dedicated fund and used specifically for tourism related purposes as set out in the Tourism Master Plan. A few years later, the Government could not adequately finance the overseas marketing and advertising activities of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), which hampered its ability to effectively carry out its promotional activities in major markets such as the USA, UK and Canada. After much consultation with the industry, it was agreed that an additional $10 would be charged as marketing is critical in bringing visitors to our island. Currently, the TEF supports approximately 60% of the Jamaica Tourist Boardís budget, allowing it to effectively market the destination. It also provides money for seat support for Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC) and also partially funds the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCO). The public needs to be aware that no Jamaican domiciled within the country pays this fee.

The JHTA has long held the notion that “tourism is for everyone” and works to grow the industry in all sections of the island, not just the major resort areas. JHTA has long promoted community tourism,†adventure, health, religious and cultural tourism beyond sun, sea and sand. With the growth of more bed and breakfast type accommodations being fostered by the advent of entities such as AirBnB, the mandate of ensuring that the visitor experience is a quality one throughout the island is paramount. We have long recognized this and many projects supported by the TEF can confirm this vision of the JHTA, to make the tourism industry more expansive and inclusive to all Jamaicans. Since its establishment, the TEF has provided support to the wider public in numerous ways that impact their communities. These span youth development, infrastructure development, support for the environment, culture and heritage, healthcare and well needed help in the fight against crime. A few examples of these projects are included below: Preserving Jamaica’s cultural heritage Culture sits at the heart of Jamaicaís tourism product and is the heartbeat of our people. But this is a fragile construct as it may be forgotten with time or decline from neglect. Trench Town, the home town of reggae legend Bob Marley is of significant cultural and historical importance to Jamaica. Recognising this, the TEF has funded improvements to the community geared at preserving our rich musical heritage. Additionally, cultural sites which we all know and love such as Devon House in Kingston and The Domes in Montego Bay have all gotten face lifts through well needed repair works. The Montego Bay Cultural Centre, which is home to the National Museum West in Sam Sharpe Square was also developed with funding from TEF. The Ward Theatre in downtown Kingston has been renovated, various historical churches throughout the country refurbished and Kingston has been designated a UNESCO Creative City through TEF’s support. Environmental preservation The Blue and John Crown Mountains is not only of cultural importance to Jamaica as the stomping ground of our maroon forefathers, but is of significant ecological value as it serves as a source of drinking water for a large proportion of the islandís population. Within that context TEF has acted to fund the recognition of the site as a World Heritage Site and has earmarked additional funds for building gazebos, restrooms and a cabin in the Park. Enhancing Jamaica’s infrastructure The TEF has sought to ensure that Jamaicans are given access to some of the best beaches with state of the art facilities. Upgrades have included bathrooms, lighting and fencing for 13 beaches including Lyssons Beach in St. Thomas, Terminal Beach in St Catherine, Treasure Beach in St. Elizabeth and Boston Beach in Portland. Montego Bay has been revitalised with the Elegant Corridor Lighting in Rosehall which saw the installation of LED Powered Lighting along a 20 Km carriageway, bringing improved visibility for road users and a significant boost to the aesthetics of the area. Partial funding has also been provided by the TEF for the redevelopment of National Heroes Park. Various roadways have been upgraded including the Harmony Hall to Accompong Road and the roadways in Portland. Supporting the fight against crime and violence Crime is a problem throughout Jamaica and tackling the plight will not only aid in boosting tourism but will benefit each Jamaican. Through the support of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, police stations throughout Trelawny, St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland have benefitted from the provision of over $60 million worth of motor vehicles and motorcycles over the period 2012-2013 alone. The force also saw the strengthening of its marine police outposts in Negril, Falmouth, Ocho Rios and Montgeo Bay with the investment $40 million from the TEF and the Negril Police Station has benefited from a well needed upgrade. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) was also installed in Ocho Rios in 2015 and implementation in remaining resort areas is planned. All of which will aid in preventing crime, supporting its investigation and making Jamaica safer for all. Supporting youth development Through programmes such as the Centres of Excellence designed to ensure adequate resourcing for the tourism sector, students have been given the opportunity to learn skills which will see them made ready to take on the world of work. Mount Alvernia in Montego Bay last year benefited from a language lab and a home economics lab with the investment of over $5 million dollars. Under the programme, Cross Keys High School was able to build a rabbitry and a greenhouse, thereby being given the opportunity to learn critical agricultural skills. Students from Cornwall College, Montego Bay Community College and Ocho Rios High have also benefited under the programme with interventions spanning Information Technology and Food Preparation. These interventions ensure that our children are able to be productive members of society and are able to acquire in-demand jobs the moment they are out of high school. Providing clean spaces for all Jamaicaís tourism product relies heavily on the cleanliness of our island as does our own health and well-being as was proven with the mosquito borne Zik V and Chic-V. Through monies from the Tourism Enhancement Fund, our gullies and verges have been cleaned and campaigns to bring awareness to the dangers of the spread of Aedes aegypti mosquito was supported by the TEF. Driving economic expansion and SME growth At the business sector level, the TEF in a very practical and tangible way, has partnered with EXIM Bank to offer loans to SMEs in the tourism sector to finance improvements to meet the demands of the increasingly competitive tourism industry. Up to J$1 billion has been committed at a rate of only 5% interest and a significant number of loans have been approved and disbursed, with beneficiaries spanning hotels, attractions, restaurants, taxi drivers, craft manufacturers and other suppliers to the tourism industry. The TEF has also provided funding for the Tourism Linkages Council, which is focused on strengthening ties between tourism players and supporting industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, services and entertainment. Preserve the TEF The JHTA’s objective is to ensure that tourism continues to do well. The sector employs one in every four Jamaicans directly and indirectly, and is one of the largest foreign exchange earners for the country. The JHTA is putting Jamaica first, by working towards the continued success of the industry. The Association remains public-spirited and committed to national economic growth and development. It is for the reasons previously mentioned that the stakeholders within the sector remain firm in our belief that the TEF should not be absorbed into the Consolidated Fund, but must remain within the remit of the TEF Board and fulfil the mandate for which it was established.