The Jamaican tourism industry is soaring and the future looks bright

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Why is Jamaica distinctly different than all of the other islands in the Caribbean? Unlike other islands, it remains at the forefront for receiving tourism awards and rarely does someone come to Jamaica and not speak of the crystal-clear water, the beautiful beaches, or the amazing food. Many travellers appreciate the hospitality and service that they receive when visiting local tourist attractions, and if you ever want to just get away, there is always an affordable package available for jetsetters wanting to experience something a little different from their norm.

Welcome back to my Winter Wish List, a list that I started two editions ago to highlight vacation spots around the world, but mainly focused on islands in the Caribbean. Why a Winter Wish List you ask? Well, if you live in a temperate climate, you know that we are about to issue in the coldest time of the year, and many people choose this time to take off in the hopes of avoiding cold weather, even if it is just for a week.

A couple of weeks ago, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to a reception hosted by the Jamaica Tourist Board. This was done to update the community on the wonderful things that are occurring in Jamaica, and how we, living in the diaspora can take a more active role in all activities. The JCA was alive with activity; Chef Selwyn Richards outdid himself presenting guests with a delectable selection of Jamaican dishes, creatively designed to intrigue all senses. Reggae music was played lightly in the background, and the overall energy in the room was pleasurable.

The night began with a moving address from the always articulate and charismatic Consulate General Wilks, “All of Jamaica belongs to us; don’t take our little home for granted,“ he reminded the Jamaicans in the room who now call Canada their home.  He was followed by the lovely Adaoma Patterson, the current president of the JCA, who proceeded to make me very jealous by telling us about the trip that she had recently taken to Jamaica. On September 5^th, 51 people (plus Adaoma) went to visit Gordon Town, which happens to be a settlement in Saint Andrew. “While we were there it felt like home; it was almost like a reunion, or homecoming. Although the majority of us were either from Jamaica, or of Jamaican descent, we ended up learning about parts of Jamaica that many of us did not know or had never visited.”

The last speaker of the night was Donovan White, the Director of Jamaica Tourism. He sadly informed us that the Honourable Edmund Bartlett (the current Minister of Tourism, and Jamaican Politician) was unable to make it due to his attendance being needed in Jamaica to deal with some local matters in parliament. The Honourable Edmund Bartlett did however record a video for the attendees of the reception, and in his address, he shared with us some amazing information:

• Jamaica has received or 1.8 million tourists from around the world
• Jamaica is now the top English language destinations in the world
• Jamaica has developed awesome thought leadership content, which has brought Jamaica tourism to a new level by actively dealing with some of the strategic problems that they face
• Most recently, The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre was launched at the Montego Bay Convention Centre
• The GTRCM is a first-of-its-kind tourism resource that is dedicated to policy-relevant research and analysis on management and recovery from disruptions or crisis that can impact tourism and threaten the Jamaican economy and the livelihoods of Jamaicans living in the diaspora
• Jamaica’s 2^nd largest employer is tourism
• Jamaica is now the only country in the world that has a comprehensive pension plan for all workers in the tourism sector
• The Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme is designed to cover workers age 18–59 years in the tourism sector, regardless if the work is contracted, permanent, or self-employed

More good news was to follow; Mr. White informed us that as of December2^nd, 2019, Latin Airlines will be flying to Jamaica three times a week, and by December 2020, there will be more hotels opening up to receive the many tourists looking to visit Jamaica. More tourists’ means improved tourist attractions. Jamaica has announced that it is planning to build five artisan villages in: Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Falmouth, Port Antonio and Negril over the next five years.

Jamaica continues to shine in the world of tourism, and the future looks bright. Looks like it is time to book my trip!