KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has emphasised the need to build capacity in the local agricultural and manufacturing sectors to support the growing demands of the tourism industry.

Speaking at the handover of a police vehicle to the Pedro Plains Police Station in St Elizabeth on July 16, Bartlett outlined that the tourism sector’s success depends heavily on the ability of local suppliers to meet visitor consumption needs.

“We want more agricultural supplies in Jamaica to enable consumption patterns of the visitor to be more local,” he said.

The minister explained that the concept of “local first” will be driven by the capacity of local producers to meet the demand created by the tourism market.

Bartlett highlighted the many facets of supplies and services needed to create a world-class visitor experience and to expand local earnings. These include the supply of fresh fruits and vegetables and all the basic requirements for consumption in the gastronomy area, and the manufacture of beds, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, candles, refrigerators and others.

Bartlett also emphasised the importance of developing a diverse range of skill sets and industries.

“I could go on about a whole myriad of skill sets that are required in order to just make the [visitors] happy and comfortable,” the minister noted.

He said this approach is critical, not only for improving tourism but also for spreading economic benefits.

Bartlett also linked this capacity-building with broader national goals of economic resilience and self-sufficiency.

“That’s how the wealth is distributed. So, let us build the capacity to respond in the way we’re talking,” he said.

Bartlett underscored that tourism’s success is rooted in strong local industries that can sustainably meet visitor needs, while uplifting communities.

— JIS