More Public Beaches to Be Improved
By: , February 15, 2024
Photo: Donald De La Haye
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, delivers the Throne Speech during the 2024/25 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament at Gordon House on Thursday (February 15), under the theme ‘Towards A Peaceful, Productive and Prosperous Jamaica’.The Full Story
Several public beaches are being targeted for enhancement in the 2024/2025 financial year.
Among these are the Priory Bathing and Fishing Beach in St. Ann and the Pagee Beach in St. Mary.
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, in making the disclosure said the projects are part of the ongoing National Beach Development Programme.
He said that eight beaches are at various stages of the design and approval process.
“The provision of greater access to suitable public beach facilities to all Jamaicans remains a priority,” he noted.
The Governor-General was reporting on developments in the tourism sector as he delivered the Throne Speech during the 2024/25 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament at Gordon House on Thursday (February 15).
He said that Jamaica’s tourism industry continues its incredible post-pandemic rebound as one of the world’s fastest recovering countries and the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.
“Our warmth and hospitality have kept visitors returning at a 42 per cent repeat rate,” he noted.
In 2023, Jamaica welcomed a record 4,150,000 visitors comprising 2,890,000 stopover visitors, and 1,260,000 cruise passengers with US$4.2 billion generated in revenue.
The Governor-General said that focus is being placed on strengthening tourism linkages through the Agri Linkages Exchange (ALEX) platform.
The collaboration between the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) generated $1 billion in sales by small farmers in 2023.
In addition, in line with the vision of building a resilient sector, investment has been made in certification and skills training, to ensure that Jamaicans are not spectators but active contributors to the country’s tourism success.
“Our tourism workers are a core part of our growth strategy, and we are committed to providing housing for them through partnerships with the private sector. We also welcome the pledge by four major international hotel investor groups, which have committed to constructing over 2,000 residential units for industry employees,” the Governor-General noted.