Treasure Beach Contributes US$82.4M to National Tourism Earnings

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has lauded resort operators in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, for enabling Jamaica to gross approximately US$2.6 billion in earnings from visitor arrivals in 2015.

“Treasure Beach contributed US$82.4 million of that amount; and you do it with the smallest cluster of tourism enterprises in Jamaica. But you do it because you have a particular brand, a particular experience that defines itself in a way that brings people to be here with you and to pay for it,” the Minister said.

He was speaking at the recent launch of the Ministry’s Community Tourism Loan facility at BREDS Treasure Beach Park in St. Elizabeth

Mr. Bartlett noted that consequent on the product offerings along Jamaica’s south coast, particularly St. Elizabeth, a new demographic of tourists desiring the “rustic luxury” has emerged.

“It’s a luxury that the rich and the accomplished want, but not in a structured and formalized environment. They want the comforts…but they want the connection with nature that is here,” he stated.

The Minister said despite the popularity and success of the “rustic luxury” experience, there is room for improvement in the offering.

In this regard, he encouraged stakeholders to collaborate in order to move their product to “the next level.”

“We are keen on building a destination that is pristine and (attractive) to the visitor,” Mr. Bartlett added.

The $20 million Community Tourism Loan facility has been established for the operators of small resorts and attractions in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth.

Beneficiaries can access up to $2 million each under the scheme, which is being financed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and administered by Jamaica National Small Business Loans Limited.

This provision is part of the Ministry’s National Community Tourism Policy and Strategy.

It aims to diversify Jamaica’s resort product offerings by facilitating tourism developments at the community level.