Tourism Ministry Provides $48m for Industry Developments in Treasure Beach

The Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment has provided $48 million to fund industry developments in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, says $28 million will be used to undertake road repairs, while the remaining $20 million will provide loans for Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB)-licensed operators of properties and attractions.

He was speaking at a special stakeholder consultation at the BREDS Treasure Beach Sports Park on February 12.

Dr. McNeill said the provisions are consistent with the Ministry’s mandate to undertake community tourism development islandwide, pointing out that additional steps are being taken to provide well-needed assistance to foster this engagement.

“This forms part of efforts to diversify the island’s tourism product and ensure that the benefits…filter down to the community level. The extent to which Jamaicans across the length and breadth of Jamaica can feel the impact of tourism is the real measure of the success of the tourism industry,” he argued.

Dr. McNeill, who visited several properties and attractions in Treasure Beach, commended the operators and other local stakeholders on their progress in further developing tourism product offerings in the community.

He said based on his observations, the properties and attractions were “true models” for community tourism which would be replicated across Jamaica.

The Minister underscored that community tourism was the “real thrust” that would open up traditional tourist areas, like Treasure Beach, thereby enabling all interests to enjoy the sector’s “real benefits.”