Jamaican government considers arrivals duty-free

Nicole Mezzasalma

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The country’s Ministry of Tourism is discussing changes to Jamaica’s duty-free laws to allow incoming passengers to make purchases

Jamaica tourism minister Edmund Bartlett said the country is considering changes to its duty-free laws to improve its competitiveness as a Caribbean destination for US travellers. Among the amendments under discussion is the introduction of arrivals duty-free stores at airports, which is not allowed under existing regulations.

Bartlett added that talks are taking place with the US Department of State with regard to changes to existing duty-free policies that place most Caribbean destinations at a competitive disadvantage. He said that while visitors to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands enjoy a duty-free allowance of $1,000, travellers to other Caribbean nations can spend only $500 on duty-free purchases.

He concluded: “We need to start examining our own business model as we seek to create greater efficiency and improve the quality of service that we provide to visitors. It is the enhanced visitor experience that will keep the Caribbean competitive. [Modernisation] is vital in these competitive times as the industry will be looking for value, which is going to be the key word as prices become more competitive.”