Tourism authority chiefs have pledged to focus on increasing the Island’s return on investment, whatever today’s Budget announcement holds.

Meanwhile, for the Bermuda Hotel Association, it is a case of “more of the same, please” as hoteliers hope that the existing concessions on import duty and payroll tax continue.

Glenn Jones, the director of public and stakeholder relations for the Bermuda Tourism Authority, told The Royal Gazette that the quango’s 2014-15 government budget was the lowest it had been for 30 years.

“In general, the tourism authority can generate a return on investment of about 10:1,” he said. “For every taxpayer dollar invested in tourism, it returns ten times over into the local economy.

“That level of return is among the highest in Bermuda. So whatever budget number the Government allocates to the BTA, we view it as an investment and we take that responsibility seriously.

“Every dollar delivered to the BTA ultimately generates a return on investment for our community, either by way of tax revenue or on-Island spending.

“Last year’s economic impact from tourism is forecasted to be $391 million, while the tourism budget was at its lowest in 30 years at $23.1 million. “Whatever the Budget number on Friday, the BTA is focused on growing the country’s return on investment.”

Stephen Todd, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Hotel Association, said the association would welcome any further concessions or breaks that would encourage development and investment in the hotel industry.

“What we have now has served us well and we hope it continues in this budget,” he added.

“The Hotel Concessions Act provided relief from duties for hotels bringing in materials for repairs or general maintenance.

“This is something that we continue to enjoy and benefit from, and the fact that hotels do not have to pay out these overlays is even more important given the challenging economic times we live in.

“Clearly, we would like that to continue and, fortunately, there does not seem any suggestion that this lifeline will be suspended.

“We also enjoy payroll tax relief, and that in itself has provided welcome relief, too, in the challenging times.

“Any additional concessions that encourage development and investment in the hotel industry in Bermuda would be very welcome in this year’s Budget.”