Montego Bay Mayor Calls for Larger Share of Tourism Enhancement Fund

Richard Vernon, Mayor of Montego Bay, advocated for the western city to receive a substantial portion of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). Vernon stated that Montego Bay manages 70% of all flights into Jamaica and hosts 30% of the country's hotel rooms. He argued that this level of impact on the local economy and infrastructure warrants a share of the tourism dollars collected via TEF levies.

The call challenges the current distribution structure of the TEF. Vernon argues that Montego Bay's significant contribution to Jamaica's tourism economy and physical infrastructure justifies a larger share of the collected funds.