Noel Thompson, Freelance WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
THE GOVERNMENT agency Jamaica Promotions (JAMPRO) has been accused of being unpatriotic to the island's top 10 ground transport operators, the Jamaica Association of Tour Operators (JATO).
Vice-president of JATO, Roy Anderson, echoed the charge during the 19th annual general meeting, held at the Half Moon Hotel in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, yesterday.
"Our members move more than 60 per cent of the travellers coming into Jamaica and service the various hotels," Anderson pointed out. He added that JAMPRO had been attempting to woo overseas parties to set up similar tour operating businesses on the island.
Admitting that he was not aware that such a situation existed, acting Director of Tourism, Donald Dawson said: "If someone is coming to Jamaica and brings new business to the island, that is OK, but if they are stealing from existing businesses, that does not make any sense."
Anderson's charge was strongly supported by his colleagues, who pointed out that the invitation was printed in a JAMPRO brochure. The association has asked Dawson to examine the matter with a view to protecting local businesses.
CONCESSIONS
Anderson also called on Dawson to assist the association in getting concessions for its members who wished to import luxury cars into the island. "We had approached the Tourism Minister (Aloun Assamba) on the matter and were offered an initial concession. We went into negotiations with the ministry and were subsequently offered 55 per cent, but we would like to be given between 15 and 20 per cent," he reported.
While not making any promises, Dawson gave some assurance that he would look into the matter to see if an agreement could be reached.
