Opposition slams overnight passage of GCT on short-term rentals, Airbnb hosts

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism and Linkages, Andrea Purkiss, has lashed out at the Government following the passage of legislation that applies General Consumption Tax (GCT) to short-term rentals, including Airbnb listings. The vote went through at roughly 2:00 am on Wednesday.

Purkiss charged that the administration eased the measure through Parliament “like a thief in the night” without any public debate or consultation. The new tax is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027.

Jamaica's short-term rental sector has grown sharply over recent years, climbing from 59,500 guests in 2017 to more than 800,000 in 2024 and producing in excess of $32 billion for property owners. A wide cross-section of Jamaicans, both at home and in the diaspora, have invested in properties for income, while many others let rooms or extra units on their premises to help cover household bills.

“The Government’s decision to rush this through in the dead of night shows complete disregard for the thousands of ordinary Jamaicans who depend on short term rentals to survive. There was no warning, no consultation, just stealth. We demand an explanation,” Purkiss argued.

The Opposition says it is pressing for full transparency and a comprehensive impact assessment before the GCT on short-term rentals is rolled out.