Tourism workers to get non-taxable gratuity in full, other benefits
Published:Thursday | January 23, 2025 | 9:59 AM
Jamaican tourism workers will now receive their non-taxable gratuity in full, along with improved access to housing, professional development, and retirement security, according to Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett.
The announcement followed a key meeting between Bartlett and Inverotel, one of the largest Spanish hotel investment groups, on the side of the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) in Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday.
Bartlett described the discussions as pivotal to enhancing labour market arrangements for Jamaica’s tourism workforce, which he referred to as “the backbone of Jamaica’s tourism sector.”
Inverotel, a powerful consortium of an 18-member hotel chain operating approximately 100,000 rooms across the Americas and the Caribbean, has committed to a multi-faceted plan benefiting Jamaican tourism workers.
Its members include Riu Hotels & Resorts; Princess Hotels and Resorts; Catalonia Hotels and Resorts; Grupo Pinero; H10 Resorts and the Palladium Hotel Group
“The discussions focused on a comprehensive plan to address three critical areas: housing accessibility, professional development through training, and retirement security,” stated a release from the Ministry of Tourism.
Bartlett emphasised the significance of this initiative, saying, “Our tourism workers are the heart and soul of Jamaica's hospitality sector. This initiative represents the commitment of our largest investors to our workers’ well-being and professional growth, ensuring a sustainable future for both our employees and the sector.”
The plan contemplates affordable housing solutions where tourism workers to access housing that meets their needs and full gratuity payments and support for participation in the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme to ensure social security during retirement.
It also takes into account implementing comprehensive training programmes aligned with international hospitality standards, offering industry-recognised certifications, career advancement opportunities, and skill development.
“We welcome this level of commitment by our Spanish hotel partners. By addressing fundamental needs like housing, professional development, and retirement security, we're not just supporting our workers – we're strengthening Jamaica's entire tourism sector,” said Bartlett.
The annual strategic meeting follows a series of strikes by Jamaican hotel workers late last year, threatening to disrupt the lifeblood industry.
The workers complained of long working hours, low wages, and poor communication by their bosses.
Bartlett is leading a small delegation of tourism officials at FITUR 2025, which has drawn representation from 152 countries.
The engagement underscores Jamaica's commitment to leveraging global partnerships to benefit its tourism workforce and industry sustainability.
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