Tangible impacts of the tourism sector
Published:Monday | August 28, 2023 | 12:05 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
The Jamaican tourism industry and its leadership must be commended for earning foreign exchange revenues to the country. There is no doubt that the opportunities for employment for a vast percentage of the rural population is attainable because of buoyant hotel accommodations.
Hotels in particular have a handle on a great deal of resources which are beneficial to their staff members. These include meals and access to transportation to and from work.
An outreach is now needed to assist children in the tourist belts to be able to attend school regularly and punctually. There are no school buses and in some communities there are only bike taxis. Is there any combined effort that could see sponsored taxi services to safely transport the children? The government may be best equipped to give the tourism sector special grants for more vehicles which could be employed in the school term to assist schools.
It is a win-win situation. The sector will inherit a more educated workforce and a population with greater hospitality skills. Greater bonds can be forged and formed with community increasing earning potentials and realities for all parties involved.
In addition, students should be actively involved in the education process with the management of the hotel chains. Sports like golf and swimming must be part of the school curriculum in parishes at least, like St Mary, St Ann, Trelawny, St James, Hanover and Westmoreland. There should be regular interaction with hotels from schools to offer entertainment services – performing arts in particular. Yachting is a must for the youth in Portland.
It is worth a try, with annual trip to hotels as school excursions. It is an incentive, too, to boost parental participation.
CATHERINE NEIL