Edmund Bartlett, the Government’s point man on the tourism sector, has determined that much more needs to be known about the possible impact of the approximately 20,000 new hotel rooms which are to be built in Jamaica over the next five to 10 years.
Opening the 2023/24 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Bartlett provided an update on the previously announced room boost in the tourism sector and noted that construction will take place in all parishes.
Providing further details while addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday, Bartlett noted that while the development of the new rooms provides enormous implications for Jamaica for growth it also asks for a lot from the country.
He said an evidence-based study is to be done to determine what is being asked of the country, what will be involved, and who will benefit.
“We have identified a source of funds for this study to be done and I have had discussions with some multi-laterals — not ready yet to say which — that are willing to support this study especially [since] they think too that tourism is the driver, not just for the economy of Jamaica now, but for the entire Caribbean,” said Bartlett.
“What this study will seek to do is to identify and evaluate the potential impact of the proposed development on gross domestic product; foreign exchange earnings; investment and Government revenue; and expenditure.
“It will seek to identify and evaluate the potential impact of the proposed development on income and employment, both direct and indirect. It will [also] identify and evaluate the potential impact of the proposed development on key related sectors such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and entertainment,” added Bartlett.
The tourism minister told the media briefing that the study will also evaluate the impact of the 20,000 new rooms on infrastructure needs, the environment, and the people, in particular the housing and transport requirements of the people who will work in these new rooms.
“It will provide recommendations to mitigate potential negative impacts while capitalizing on the positive impacts and will provide credible, rigorous, evidence-based information…so that we can use that for public awareness program and to build out the value chain of the tourism industry.
Source-Jamaica Observer
