WORLD TOURISM DAY MESSAGE

September 27 is World Tourism Day and its theme this year – “Sport and Tourism: Two Living Forces for Mutual Understanding, Culture and the Development of Society” – reminds us of the strong bonds that unite tourism with sport worldwide, and especially in Jamaica.
Even as our country and its hospitality industry engage in a robust recovery programme after Hurricane Ivan, we want to express our appreciation for the splendid contributions of our athletes to Jamaica’s tourism.
We owe much to our sportswomen and sportsmen who excite the world with their superb performances and, in so doing, add to the exotic appeal of our island. They help to attract the millions of guests we host each year. These guests have come to know us personally and to admire and respect us for our hospitality and professionalism, in addition to our world-renown prowess in sport.
In this period of recovery, let us, as a nation, be inspired by the legacy and example of our sporting heroes – their indomitable spirit, relentless effort and encouraging teamwork.
Together, as one people, we have weathered many storms and always, our resilient spirit shines through.
We give thanks that many of us have been spared and we pray for those who lost their lives and others who have suffered.
Together, let us continue to offer a helping hand to a neighbour or a stranger.
Together united, let us continue to build tourism so that this industry can provide more jobs and economic opportunities, earn more foreign exchange and strengthen its vibrant linkages with other sectors and in so doing, make a greater contribution to Jamaica’s growth and economic development.
The Ministry of Industry and Tourism, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Vacations, Jamaica Reservations Service, Tourism Product Development Company and all our agencies join hands with our public and private sector partners and all Jamaicans as we move forward with confidence together.