Kingston (TAN): Community tourism will receive a huge boost in Jamaica after the island nation’s tourism minister Edmund Bartlett pledged approximately JMD 300 million (USD 2.3 million) for the purpose.
The money will be disbursed to 63 communities across the country to support small events and activities to attract more visitors, and increase potential earnings of small tourism suppliers.
“The building out of more tourism products under our Linkages Network, forms part of our overall growth strategy to attract more visitors by adding value and enhancing their experiences. Adding value has become a benchmark in the highly competitive tourism industry and when you are able to give more you will have a better value proposition for visitors than your competitors,” Bartlett was quoted by eTurbo News as saying.
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“These community tourism projects will provide authentic Jamaican experiences, whether it be food or entertainment, for our visitors and increase earnings for our suppliers,” he added.
The announcement was made recently during the official launch of M-Academy at the Chinese Benevolent Centre in Kingston. M-Academy is a partnership between the Jamaica Social Investment Fund and Main Events that will provide alternative livelihood and skills development.
