Tourism fund serves up millions for airline seats

THE GOVERNMENT is to again raid the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to compensate airlines for flying to Jamaica.

Figures in the Estimates of Expenditure tabled in the House of Representatives last week indicate that $294.2 million is to be taken from the TEF for seat support.

That is a scheme instituted by the Government where some airlines are compensated to absorb “an element of risk with the tour operators to encourage the continuation and operation of charter programmes to Jamaica particularly from North America, Europe and key emerging markets.”

A total of $308.4 million is being proposed for the spending on seat support this year, with the Consolidated Fund providing the $14-million difference.

Source: Jamiaca Gleaner