Tourist Anti-Harrassment Campaign To Be Launched

Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, has emphasised the need to control tourist harassment in Jamaica if the country is to consistently increase its visitor arrivals and reap the benefits of the sector.

“We want the visitors to, not only come on the ship but to come off the ship and walk around and experience Jamaica.  We want the visitors who come to our hotels, to come out of the hotels, and visit our restaurants and attractions,” Dr. McNeill said.

The Minister was making his contribution to the 2014/15 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 27.

Dr. McNeill noted that the government will lead a collaborative effort, drawing on past experiences and best practices, to tackle the issue.

“This will entail government ministries and agencies, law enforcers, the judiciary, community organizations, tourism stakeholders, private and public sector interests. This effort will introduce and enforce measures  to curtail and ultimately eradicate this problem,” he outlined.

An important part of the programme will be a public relations campaign and training, which will be implemented this year.

The Minister added that controlling tourist harrassment will result in “more business and it will spread much further, as people feel more comfortable moving around freely to venture into the various communities.”