Tourism Minister Highlights Tourism’s Impact on Jobs and Livelihoods

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is emphasising the critical role of the tourism sector in sustaining livelihoods across Jamaica, noting that its impact extends far beyond hotels and attractions to support workers, businesses and communities islandwide.

He made the remarks during the reopening ceremony for the Bahia Principe Runaway Bay hotel in St. Ann on Wednesday (April 1).

Mr. Bartlett stressed that tourism serves as a key driver of economic activity for small businesses, service providers and communities islandwide.

“What I’m saying to you is that tourism is so ubiquitous it covers almost every segment of the society… when there’s no tourism there is very little happening all around,” he said.

The Minister highlighted the wide network of individuals and enterprises that benefit directly and indirectly from the industry.

“The taxi operators depend on it… the river rafters depend on it… the workers at Dunn’s River Falls depend on it… the craft vendors depend on it… the contractors and construction workers depend on it,” he stated.

Mr. Bartlett emphasised that the sector’s recovery is therefore essential not only for economic growth, but for social stability and national development.

He urged Jamaicans to recognise the value of tourism and to actively promote the industry.

“I want you to be the disciples… the evangelists out there saying to the country… that tourism is about jobs and tourism is about income and tourism is about well-being,” he said.

The Minister reiterated that continued investment and support for tourism will ensure sustained benefits for individuals, families and communities across the island.