Dear Editor,

Jamaica’s tourism industry is experiencing growth with far-reaching positive effects on the people. We must do all we can to promote and preserve the excellent work of those within this sector so that the trickle-down effect can be maximised for the benefit of all.

I say this because we all should understand that the success of this sector not only benefits hotels, restaurants and attractions, the industry encompasses many other industries such as farming, craft vending, tour companies, even jet ski and glass bottom boat operators.

Today, tourism is Jamaica’s second-highest foreign exchange earner, behind remittances, and obviously a very important sector for the economy, as directly and indirectly a significant number of Jamaicans are dependents on its inflows.

The recent announcement of an additional 4,000 new hotel rooms to be added to our room stock makes it clear that the hospitality industry is delivering for all of us and is to be protected. Using an estimate of two employees per room, there will be approximately 8,000 new jobs to be had when these additional rooms are fully on stream, as well as the construction jobs that are created during the building phase.

The hard work of the Tourism and Entertainment Minister Wykeham McNeill, the staff of his ministry and the Jamaica Tourist Board have paid off, and we should thank them for their efforts.

I believe that this sparkling growth can continue if the hard work continues, but tourism is a very fickle industry and can be easily spoiled by a few loud and ill-mannered people.

We must, therefore, realise that the tourist industry is an important national business, not just the property of a few hoteliers and direct beneficiaries, but for all of us, and so it is in our interest to lend our support in whatever way we can.

A grateful Jamaican