Published on : Friday, April 12, 2019
The Tourism Ministry explained that the money will be distributed to 63 communities all over the country to have small events and activities that would lure more visitors, and raise possible earnings of small tourism suppliers.
“The building out of more tourism products under our Linkages Network, forms part of our overall growth strategy to attract more visitors by adding value and enhancing their experiences. Adding value has become a benchmark in the highly competitive tourism industry and when you are able to give more you will have a better value proposition for visitors than your competitors.”
“These community tourism projects will provide authentic Jamaican experiences, whether it be food or entertainment, for our visitors and increase earnings for our suppliers,” Bartlett was quoted as saying.
Today the statement was made at the official launch of M-Academy at the Chinese Benevolent Centre in Kingston. This M-Academy is a Social Investment Fund of Jamaica and Main Events partnership that will offer alternative Livelihood and Skills Development. The prime purpose of the effort is to offer demand driven skills in event production to more than 100 students from seven parishes all over Jamaica.
In endorsing the move, Bartlett added that, “I am pleased that this initiative will help build the capacity of our young people who will in turn be able to earn and meet the demands in the entertainment sector, which is inextricably linked to tourism.”
“This means that we will be able to rely more on local talent to seamlessly execute mega productions such as festivals and conventions, which attract thousands of people.”