Letter of the Day | Need to strengthen logistics for a resilient tourism industry

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Tourism is a major contributor to the national GDP and one of the country’s top employers. Logistics, though, is the invisible engine that keeps this sector running. From visitors booking their flights to them enjoying their meals, a complex web of supply chains and logistics operations is working behind the scenes. The success of the tourism industry, relies heavily on how efficiently and responsively we can deliver the goods and services that create a world-class visitor experience.

Logistics within tourism is an enormous task. The sector demands billions of dollars’ worth of products annually, and meeting this high demand means having reliable supply chains for everything from fresh foods to hotel linens. When those supply chains are efficient, hotels and attractions can keep costs down and quality up. Whenever they falter, tourists notice, and the country’s reputation suffers. Jamaica retains just about 40 per cent of each tourism dollar locally; many hotels still depend significantly on imported supplies. Strengthening our logistics networks is key to ensuring more of the supply chain’s surplus stays in Jamaica.

Effective tourism logistics requires a balance between efficiency and responsiveness. At one end of the spectrum, businesses need to be efficient. They can achieve this by utilising economies of scale to keep prices competitive. On the other end, they must be flexible and responsive. They must be ready and able to adapt if guests arrive unexpectedly or visitors suddenly change their itineraries. The tourism sector’s strategic sourcing and supply chain design choices directly affect the visitor experience and the sector’s bottom line.

It is encouraging, though, that Jamaica is strategically aligning tourism policies and business models with better logistics. The Tourism Linkages Network connects hotels with local farmers and manufacturers, creating a strategic fit between our agricultural sector and tourist demand. Recently, Tourism Minister Bartlett announced plans for a dedicated tourism supply logistics hub to integrate manufacturing and supply chain management into tourism operations. The hub’s success would help to ensure a steady, cost-effective flow of essential goods for the hospitality sector while expanding opportunities for local producers.

It is essential to recognise that logistics is not a mere behind-the-scenes technicality but a pillar of our tourism product. Visitors may never think about the supply chains that delivered their dinner or the bus that took them to Dunn’s River, but they will undoubtedly feel the difference when logistics works well or when it doesn’t.

COHORT 3

MSc ENGINEERING AND

MANAGEMENT

MONA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

AND MANAGEMENT