Workers are leading tourism’s recovery as the sector officially reopens on December 15 | News
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett
With 70 percent of the island’s tourism assets ready for the official reopening of the tourism sector on December 15, following the impact of Hurricane Melissa, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett commends the indomitable spirit of tourism workers who made this possible, noting that “the recovery cannot be complete without the workers of our industry.”
By saluting the contribution of the workers, Secretary Bartlett outlined: “I visited the various hotels and attractions when they were back in business and we heard the stories of our tourism staff and partners who all rallied to ensure we could meet the December 15 deadline for the industry to reopen.”
Noting that the reopening also coincides with the start of the winter tourist season, Minister Bartlett praised the support that tourism businesses are providing to their employees affected by Melissa. Mr Bartlett also highlighted that “to date, around $15 million in support has been provided by industry partners in providing care packages, loan schemes and grants to tourism workers to help them repair their homes and survive during this period.”
As we provided a comprehensive industry overview to stakeholders today at an annual staff breakfast at Norman Manley International Airport, Secretary Bartlett revealed that “We have created a special program called THARP; that is the Tourism Housing Assistance Recovery Program, which will have more than $2 billion available to provide grants to tourism workers who have been affected, especially those who have lost roofs and homes.”
He later explained that “tomorrow we will launch that program at the Pegasus Hotel…, and a total of more than 5,000 employees will benefit from that initiative.”
Minister Bartlett also explained that tourism partners in Canada successfully organized the Harmonies of Hope Hurricane Melissa Aid Concert on December 5, raising “approximately 2.5 million Canadian dollars to assist workers and tourism communities across Jamaica.”
Minister Bartlett expressed confidence in the full recovery of the sector, announcing that Jamaica has welcomed some 300,000 visitors in the past four weeks, including 180,000 stopovers and 120,000 cruise passengers. He added that “we have brought in 20,800 tourists since Thursday last week through Sunday, December 14.”
Looking ahead, he expects a full recovery soon, given the goodwill Jamaica enjoys worldwide and confidence in the destination. He outlined that “COPA Airlines is expanding its service to Montego Bay to 10 flights per week, in addition to the five flights to Kingston, giving Jamaica a greater presence in the South American tourism market.”
Mr Bartlett also expects more flights from the UK, with Virgin, TUI and British Airways, as well as Condor from Germany, each having “a strong presence”.
The destination is also targeting the US, recognized as Jamaica’s largest market, for increased sales, and later this week Minister Bartlett and Director of Tourism Donovan White will spearhead a major marketing blitz in the New York tri-state area. This follows a two-day marketing trip to Canada last week.
“We will be all over the world as we try to ensure that within a short period of time Jamaica’s tourism growth trajectory will be achieved,” Minister Bartlett said. He assured “the partners who are willing to participate in the process as we move forward with the recovery, we have your back.”
