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TOURISM
The Tourism Competitiveness Task Force was established to
identify important barriers to a more competitive tourism sector
and develop effective solutions. The Committee is comprised of
representatives of key public and private sector bodies involved
in tourism.
Building on the findings of this and other inquiries, as well as
consultation with many stakeholders in the sector, the Jamaica
Labour Party proposes to strengthen Jamaica’s tourism products
by treating each sub-sector with the focussed attention it deserves.
We will continue to:
•
Encourage the development of new state-of-the-art
attractions beyond the five (5) that were opened in 2011
•
Promote the expansion of marinas in Ocho Rios and
Montego Bay which, together with the Port Antonio
Marina, will be marketed to attract mega-yacht visitors
and sport-fishing activities
•
Enhance Jamaica’s Duty-Free Shopping Appeal; we will
establish a new regime for in-bond merchants to enhance
Jamaica’s appeal as a duty-free shopping destination
•
Provide grants and concessionary loans for the
upgrading of small hotels and villas and assisting them
in developing programmes for advertising and marketing.
Heritage and Eco-Tourism
As the world markets become more sensitive to the ecological
and cultural damage caused by unfettered and insensitive
development, eco-tourism has emerged as a significant
high-value market opportunity.
The Jamaica Labour Party government will provide renewed
support for the development of South Coast adventure and
eco-tourism, and will:
•
Declare the Cockpit Country a “no-mining” zone and
encourage the development of environmentally friendly
attractions. The Ministry of Tourism will be responsible for
the development of usage guidelines for the development
of ecotourism and adventure tourism in the Cockpit
Country.
•
Draft ecotourism guidelines for the development of caves,
sinkholes and shafts have been prepared. Guidelines on
trails and water features are being developed.
•
Establish a sophisticated craft training centre on the
north coast to enable our craftsmen to produce high
quality craft items and ensure that our craft vendors can
preserve indigenous skills while earning a decent living.
Traditional/Mainstream Tourism
We are formulating a strategic plan for the development of
Portland and St. Thomas as a distinct tourist resort area, to take
advantage of their unique attributes as well as providing a new
economic catalyst to mitigate the decline in sugar and banana
industries.