‘The effect on our business will be devastating. Considering that what the Prime Minister has done is effectively removed our ability to sell 1, 2 and 3 day rentals. We simply cannot absorb this increase’.
‘My fear is that we will have such a significant downturn that jobs will be lost and the ripple effect will be felt at all attractions’
One of our leading Car Rental Agencies
What effect will this ONE THOUSAND per cent increase have on our Car Rental companies?
Will it also impact negatively on our attractions like St. Nicholas Abbey, Andromeda, Flower Forest and Orchid World and our many restaurants. And will this result in overall reduced income for Government and further jeopardise the viability of the tourism sector?
With car rental rates already among the highest in the region is this going to further push the cost of a holiday on Barbados above many peoples reach? Car Rental companies will already have to absorb or pass on increased costs of vehicle licences.
Our registered accommodation providers again will have to absorb or pass on the 50% increase in liquor licences and the 50% increase on alcoholic taxes have still to be evaluated. We all understand Government’s have to collect taxes but was there a better way of introducing this massive hike on the visitors driving permit?
Perhaps it could have been made a three year licence to encourage people to return again soon!
Did representatives from the car rental industry discuss this increase prior to its imposition? And, importantly, what is the average duration of rental, as if it’s only two or three days, the increase is even more of a deterrent?
Adrian Loveridge
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.