Tourism Continues To Create Employment

KINGSTON — The Ministry of Tourism is reporting net increase of 3,000 additional jobs in the accommodation sector over the past three years, while expansion projects are expected to generate 21,648 direct/permanent jobs across the industry between 2011 and 2013.

Figures from the Ministry of Tourism indicate that the industry continues to be a prime job creator, with persons employed to the accommodation subsector alone increasing from 33,598 in 2006 to 36,354 in 2009 and was at 37,018 in 2010.

Addressing the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors Luncheon Forum on November 15 at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston, Portfolio Minister, Edmund Bartlett, informed that overall employment in tourism is at some 90,000. The resultant value chain impacts nearly 270,000 persons.

"When you really examine it, tourism really impacts 10 per cent of the population in terms of employment. That represents 30 per cent of the work force," Mr. Bartlett asserted.

Some of the developments and attractions, which will generate jobs include: the Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier the Captain Hook Attraction, Trelawny; the Ian Flemming International Airport in St. Mary; addition of 15,000 rooms; expansion of Dolphin Cove attraction in Lucea, Hanover; the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James; health and wellness tourism; and new airlift markets from Latin America and Europe.

The sector is also expected to provide some 10,500 temporary jobs between 2011 and 2014 as a result of beautification and upgrading in resort areas.

By Alphea Saunders, JIS Reporte