HEAD TAX NEGOTIATIONS

The Tourism Minister says both Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines have agreed to pay an *increase* in the passenger head tax.
He says both deals were negotiated under different terms and a non-disclosure agreement has been signed.
Minister Fernandez says all other cruise vessels docking at the harbor will negotiate with Global Ports Holding who will then seek approval from the government.
He says most companies have no issue paying an increase in head tax once the product offerings are improved.**

The Tourism and Investment Minister says Antigua and Barbuda has been a trend-setter as it pertains to the development of the cruise port.