The Jamaica Hotel & Tourists Association (JHTA) is introducing an occupancy surcharge to help its members offset increasing crude oil prices.

Hotels will have the option to introduce the surcharge to their winter room rates from 15 December.

JHTA president Wayne Cummings says the price of oil has increased by approximately 53 percent since January 2007, but the surcharge could be removed if oil prices drop.

Jamaican hoteliers are encouraged to inform suppliers of their decision through letters, circulars, website announcements and brochures.

The Bahamas operates a similar surcharge in its hotels.

By Adrian McBreen