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Holness eyes linkages for bigger economic boost

Published:Thursday | December 14, 2023 | 12:10 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, (second left) is in stitches while sharing a moment with his wife and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Juliet Holness, and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett during the opening of the new Hideaway at Royalton Blue Wate
Ashley Anguin
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, (second left) is in stitches while sharing a moment with his wife and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Juliet Holness, and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett during the opening of the new Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection, All-Inclusive Resort in Trelawny yesterday.Prime Minister Andrew Holness (second left) is in stitches while sharing a moment with his wife and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Juliet Holness, and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett during the opening of the new Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection, All-Inclusive Resort in Trelawny yesterday.

WESTERN BUREAU:

While the tourism sector deserves commendation for its remarkable post-COVID-19 recovery, Prime Minister Andrew Holness believes that even greater gains can be achieved through a more strategic focus on linkages.

Holness expressed this sentiment during the opening ceremony of the new US$40-million Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters in Trelawny yesterday afternoon.

The prime minister argued that with a well-thought-out approach to connecting various sectors with tourism, Jamaica could potentially double its record of four million visitors to reach eight million.

“We must make a more concerted effort to strengthen the linkages between tourism and all other industries, with a particular emphasis on the connection between tourism and agriculture,” Holness remarked.

Acknowledging the impact of new accommodations on employment, he stated, “Every new room that comes online – every new room under construction – will have an impact on labour during the construction and operational phases. To truly benefit from tourism, everything supplied to tourists that can be produced locally should be manufactured and supplied locally.”

Holness argued that by promoting these linkages, Jamaica can enhance its economic resilience, leveraging the tourism sector as a major economic driver. He highlighted the sector’s heavy reliance on agriculture to meet demands for fresh produce, seafood, and various food products.

The prime minister emphasised that relying on domestic high-quality agricultural products not only reduces dependence on imports but also increases employment opportunities within the agricultural sector.

With a strategic approach, Holness envisioned a significant boost in the sale of local produce and poultry to the hotel sector, foreseeing a substantial reduction in imports. “With 8 million visitors, we should have all the tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes, and cabbage produced right here,” he added. “Our poultry industry should also experience a significant boost, transforming our economy.”

Collaborative initiative

Already, the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) platform has generated some $1 billion in sales by small farmers with three- and five-acre lots as well as backyard farmers selling to local hotels and restaurants.

The ALEX platform, a collaborative initiative between the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), has revolutionised the interaction between hoteliers, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett noted during a presentation on the state of the tourism sector in Parliament on Tuesday.

Jordi Pelfort, president of Blue Diamond Resorts, also spoke of the fantastic relationship between Jamaica and his brands in the last 13 years, having created some 400 new jobs at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, while providing work for more tham 300 workers during the multimillion dollar project.

“Jamaica has been a vital part of our journey from the very beginnings of our company. It was here that Blue Diamond Resorts took its first steps, and the vibrancy of this island has been integral to our success. Our commitment to the Jamaican people goes beyond the realms of hospitality. It’s a pledge to support and uplift the communities that have embraced us. The spirit of Jamaica is not just in its stunning landscapes, but in the smiles of its people, and we are proud to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of this extraordinary nation,” Pelfort told the intimate gathering.

The Royalton Hideaway, an adults-only retreat, aims to provide a setting for couples and groups of friends seeking to rekindle valued relationships in a peaceful Caribbean getaway. The resort features 352 modern and beautifully appointed suites and rooms adorned with a soothing colour scheme, exuding an atmosphere of elegance and tranquillity.

“It’s worth noting that Blue Diamond hotels in Jamaica employ approximately 95 per cent of Jamaicans across their hotels in Negril and here. At Blue Diamonds Resorts we value and prioritise the raw talent of Jamaicans, diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Kerry-Ann Quallo-Casserly, the resort chain’s director of sales and marketing.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com