Jamaica’s Government is developing a robust strategy that will better enable Jamaicans to tap into the vast potential of the local tourism sector.
The move is in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and involves key stakeholders in the industry.
It will address economic growth, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation and quality of life issues.
Addressing the first Tourism Strategy Development Workshop at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James, Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said that a well-defined tourism strategy and action plan “will help us identify the strengths and weaknesses of our tourism industry, chart our goals and objectives, and define the road map to achieve them”.
As such, the Minister highlighted that the need for a strong and comprehensive tourism strategy will further drive economic growth and development. He noted that the sector now generates direct employment for 175,000 Jamaicans and indirect employment for more than 354,000 others, including farmers, craft vendors, entertainers and transportation operators.
“In addition, tourism is the single largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP), the main source of foreign revenues and one of the country’s main sources of exports. Overall, the tourism sector has grown by 36 per cent over the past 30 years against total economic growth of 10 per cent,” he pointed out.
About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in New Delhi, Mumbai, Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Paris.
