Overseas Experts to Assist Tourism Security Audit

Jamaica is receiving international expertise in undertaking the security audit of the tourism sector.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, announced in October that he had directed the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), to conduct the audit through its Destination Assurance Division.

The objective, he said, was to identify gaps and ensure that the destination remains safe, secure, and seamless for visitors and locals alike.

Speaking with JIS News recently, Minister Bartlett informed that the audit will be conducted with the support and assistance of Dr. Peter Tarlow, who is “one of the most outstanding safety engineers and consultants in tourism today”.

“Dr. Tarlow will be supported by a global rescue team from the United States, along with technical support from some of the major destinations, such as the United Kingdom and Canada,” he said.

He noted that Dr. Tarlow will discuss solutions with safety professionals in Jamaica.

“This confluence of top international as well as local thinkers, planners and consultants will enable us to have a full-scale review of all our protocols in tourism and, particularly, to enable us to carve and, indeed, to create a new architecture for tourism ethics in Jamaica,” he added.

Minister Bartlett said that the Government is determined to preserve “the wonderful destination that we have” and ensure that “all our visitors… feel confident and protected while in Jamaica”.

“Their human rights must be respected and their cultural and other traits, which are dear and special to them, must also be protected and respected,” he added.

Minister Bartlett said that Jamaica prides itself on being a safe, secure and seamless destination.

“We have been very high on visitor facilitation, creating access and providing quality services for our visitors. That record remains impeccable, and so where there are any cases of infractions and where we have knowledge, we act swiftly and we act resolutely,” he pointed out.

Mr. Bartlett noted that the Government is fully aware that the changing landscape of tourism today makes it mandatory for countries like Jamaica, to consistently review all protocols and arrangements and operate at the highest standards to protect market share.