License A Hotel

Today, tourism is one of Jamaica’s leading industries with more than three million visitors welcomed to our shores each year. The elements of the tourism product are varied and includes accommodation, transportation, attractions and tours, dining and entertainment (inclusive of festivals and events), and the support services.

Jamaica’s Tourism Accommodation product has a wide variety of hotels and resort complexes that cater to specific niche needs of groups and meetings, families, couples or sport/adventure types.  They include intimate small-scale villas, apartments and guesthouses and a combination of self-catering and/or bed and breakfast facilities all of which provides a viable option for every traveller.

All tourism entities operating in Jamaica, including Hotels, Resort Cottages and other tourism accommodation entities, are required to be in possession of a Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Licence as per Section 23A of the Jamaica Tourist Board Act (1955).

The JTB is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism (MOT).  It has as its mission the development and marketing of the tourism industry so that Jamaica remains the premier Caribbean tourist destination. Before applying for benefits under the incentives framework, you are required to be in possession of your JTB Licence.  See the categories of licenses issued by the JTB. 

How to License a Hotel

The Process
Process Quick Tips
  1. There are several benefits of being in possession of a JTB Hotel/Accommodations Licence, in particular:
      • Access to incentives offered to JTB licensed entities under the Fiscal Incentives (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act
  2. A licence granted in respect of any tourist accommodation shall, subject to any power of the Board to revoke or suspend such licence, be granted for an indefinite period; and may be granted either unconditionally or subject to such restrictions and on such conditions as may be specified in the license.
  3. Some of the key Environmental Permits/Licences required from NEPA relate to, Hotel/Resort complexes with:
      • 12 or more rooms
      • Water Park facilities
      • Eco-tourism and nature tourism elements
      • Beach access
      • Sewage and industrial wastewater treatment facilities
      • Water treatment facilities, including water supply and desalination plants
      • Dredging, excavation, clearing and reclamation of beach

For more information about licensing a hotel…Visit TPDCo.