LITTLE IMPACT

The additional US$70 Barbadians and other persons will have to pay when heading to international destinations will have little impact on travel in the long run.

This was the opinion shared by two travel industry professionals yesterday at the Hilton Barbados during an interview with the media.

Come October 1, an Airline Travel and Tourism Development Tax of US$35 for passengers flying within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and US$70 for those flying outside CARICOM will be introduced.

The measure, which was introduced by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley in her mini-Budget, is expected to attract $95 million, with $75 million going to the Barbados Tourism Marketing Incorporated and Barbados Tourism Product Authority and the remaining $20 million heading to central Government.

According to Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau’s representative for the Eastern Caribbean Annette Manning, while the new tax will create some upset, it will not have a long-term effect.

“I find that even when you get increases in things, Barbadians tend to do what they want to do. Initially, it may be a big deal because it is US$70 multiplied by four or five people in a family, but like everything else after a time, it tends to not be in the forefront anymore because it is accepted. As usual any change is a big deal,” she noted.

She pointed out however that persons were already crying out for the taxes placed on airline tickets, noting that depending on a person’s destination, the taxes demanded may be more than the actual airfare.

While unaware of the tax, Director of Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau Joe Docal expressed similar sentiments.

“I am sure it will have some impact initially until people get used to it like everything else,” he said. (JMB)