Additional Boost for Hanover’s Tourism Product

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says Hanover is poised to benefit from additional infrastructural developments designed to, among other things, further strengthen the parish’s tourism product.

These include the National Housing Trust’s construction of the 63-unit Industry Cove Manor housing development in the community of Green Island, for which ground was broken on Thursday (August 16).

Mr. Holness, who delivered the keynote address at the ground-breaking ceremony, said discussions are being fast-tracked with Hanover’s key tourism stakeholders to enable their involvement in the discourse facilitating further development of the industry across the parish.

“We are already working on plans to ensure that we have orderly development of the tourism product that will provide the employment and the income for the average ‘Hanoverian’,” he stated.

The Prime Minister emphasised, however, that with the developmental plans come significant responsibility, and encouraged residents and other interests to take steps to create a visitor-friendly environment that engenders harmonious correlation among all concerned.

“When we develop the tourism product here… it has to be protected by you the citizens. It is in your interest (to) create a climate and an atmosphere in your communities (so) that (tourists) can choose to come and visit,” he underscored.

Mr. Holness pointed out that the dynamics of tourism continue to change rapidly, noting that there are now “real opportunities” for the development of community-based tourism products, such as Airbnb, that can potentially generate decent livelihoods for innovative minds.

Additionally, he said visitors are now coming to Jamaica to get out and interact with ordinary Jamaicans.

“They want to come and see how you live. They want to come and experience… and enjoy what you have to offer,” he added.

Against this background, Mr. Holness encouraged residents of Hanover and other interests to work collectively to make the parish a safe place “where our visitors will want to come.”

Industry Cove Manor, which will comprise 23 detached two-bedroom and 40 two- bedroom townhouse units, is being developed on 4.94 hectares (12.31 acres).