Tourism Development on Track Despite COVID-19

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Jennifer Griffith, says 90 per cent of all planned tourism investments remain on track despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have more than a dozen hotel development projects in progress throughout the different areas of the island,” Ms. Griffiths indicated.

She was addressing the official launch of the Annual International Conference & Exhibition (AICE) 2022 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James, on Thursday (January 27).

Ms. Griffiths said the Government has been undertaking its share of investment in the sector, as well, noting that billions of dollars are being invested in the expansion and rehabilitation of the infrastructure.

“This includes improvements to the island’s two major airports and the development of beach facilities, among many other projects,” the Permanent Secretary explained.

“Moreover, we are investing in our people as we seek to drive community tourism experiences that bring the economic benefit of tourism directly into communities around Jamaica. This helps, also, through education and financial arrangements,” she added.

Ms. Griffiths stated that providing communities with investment opportunities will allow stakeholders to expand their local businesses and trade, which will lead to a more resilient tourism sector.

“For it is only through investment from within Jamaica and from partners internationally that Jamaica can continue to grow its tourism product to meet the ever-evolving demands of our visitors,” Ms. Griffiths pointed out.

Jamaica, through the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA), was selected to host AICE 2022, which is organised by the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO).

The upcoming conference is scheduled for June 13 to 17 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James, where it is expected that some 1,500 guests from 140 countries are to participate.