-Kalehia Johnson
Tourism continues to medal for the Jamaican economy.
On May 10th at the 41st Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett announced that Jamaica has surpassed one million visitor arrivals year-to-date for 2023, reaching this milestone approximately one month earlier than in 2022.
Jamaica’s beautiful beaches and warm weather have remained undisputed champions as the island continues to decipher the formula for economic stability. Like any other industry, there are challenges, but as Jamaicans we must acknowledge that the sector remains a pillar for foreign exchange and employment opportunities. The resilience of the tourism industry has been tested and proven with the recent pandemic.
Thousands of persons continue to benefit from job opportunities in tourism. The newspapers and social media platforms are constantly flooded with new opportunities for prospective employees. Therefore, as many persons contemplate employment prospects tourism continues to present an opportunity. Job fairs continue to advertise a plethora of positions in the industry which reflects how significantly this industry contributes to job acquisition, especially in regions such as the North Coast.
The question now is, which hotel is not hiring? What a brilliant turn of events! Additionally, we cannot forget the number of persons who are not directly employed but are making a living from the spin offs. Whether it is the taxi driver who is a part of the relay that assists the tourists in exploring the cascading falls or the coconut vendor that supplies the nutrients after such marathons.
Interestingly, the industry has spread its wings and is now opening doors in many other areas of the island. Treasure Beach for example has entered the field with community tourism. In fact, the national training agency has recognized this growth and has even started offering community tourism as a vocational area of study in an effort to adequately prepare Jamaicans to fill this gap in the market.
It wasn’t quite 9.58 seconds for Treasure Beach but with Jakes Hotel and the stamina of the people of Treasure Beach they have diminished the hurdles and come in for the medal haul. Need not mention, how the spirit of people has widened the arena by merging with YS Falls, Bubbling Spring Mineral Bath, Appleton Estate, Lovers Leap and Alligator Pond with an effective shuttle system to cement a place at the finish line. Hence, providing an income for so many people across the field. Now, they are not known just as the bread basket of Jamaica but as an anchor in tourism as well. Indeed, the baton has been well received and carried.
It would be ludicrous to speak of the tourism industry in Jamaica and not highlight the significant financial contribution of the cruise industry. With the minister expecting 1.4 million passengers for 2023, the effects will be far-reaching as well. Let us not forget the thousands of Jamaicans who leave to work in the cruise industry. Clearly, the financial contribution of the tourism industry cannot be overstated. It’s the diamond race. Port Royal is the latest testament to that.
The continued investment in Tourism is indeed reaping rewards as the improved signage, corridors and additional upgrades to rooms continue to make Jamaica the ideal destination. The place of choice. In fact, citizens can now proudly boast ‘we live where you vacay’. So, tourism is medaling in all aspects. Now that is sustainable development.
There is no doubt that the millions of visitors every year contribute tremendously to the financial sector. In fact, it is difficult to discuss Jamaica’s economic growth and not mention tourism. The industry rakes in billions for Jamaica in gross foreign exchange revenues. Tourism brings hope to Vision 2030 with its record-breaking spree over several decades. Consequently, irrespective of all that is going on in Jamaica, when it comes to the tourism industry we must give credit where credit is due. With tourism, it almost feels like ‘Jamaica: No problem man.’
