Addressing the two-day Caribbean Marketplace and Awards presentation at the new Montego Bay Convention Centre on Monday evening, Golding said that the region may have to consider alternative options in lobbying against the tax.

“Going to London and pleading are not the only options we have,” he said. “It is just unfair and unjust but is in conflict with established global rules of tourism.”

Jamaica and other Caribbean countries have previously made representations to the UK government.

The APD rates are determined by the classifications of worldwide destinations made by the UK government. The Caribbean has complained that the rate for the region is unfair and has resulted in reduced bookings for several countries.