Jamaica predicting increased tourist activities over the coming decade

Jamaica´s Tourism Minister Aloun Ndombet-Assamba has confirmed plans to develop the island´s south coast with assistance from overseas investors will result in a significant increase in tourism activities along that section of the island.

"Based on the performance of other nature-based destinations in the Caribbean that have doubled their tourist numbers in five years, we see a south coast target of doubling its share of Jamaican tourism over the next 10 years from 3.5 per cent to 7 per cent as achievable," she said.

The Minister said that although the south coast was described as "off-the-beaten track", increasingly, nature-lovers were discovering its pristine wetlands that are teeming with exotic flora and fauna.

"With the growing demand for nature-based tourism, the south coast is poised for growth in attracting niche groups such as bird watchers, wildlife photographers, and those seeking a working holiday or edifying experience based on archaeology or conservation work," she added.

She cited the vast potential for development that resided in the south coast, while noting the importance of careful management to allow persons to enjoy the economic benefits of the natural resources, while preserving those resources for future generations.

The south coast of Jamaica extends from the Hellshire Hills west of Kingston to the eastern boundary of Negril and spans five parishes - Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon and St. Catherine.

Mrs. Assamba told members of the diplomatic corps recently that following government´s undertaking to facilitate a planned approach to the expected growth in the tourism industry, the Inter-American Development Bank has financed a study of the physical and socio-economic characteristics of the south coast.

Dubbed the "South Coast Sustainable Development Programme", the second phase involved the design of a project comprising Tourism Development, Protected Areas Management, Fisheries Improvement, as well as Capacity Building and Institutional Development.

"The Tourism Development component offers promising investment opportunities for citizens of your respective countries. For example, the town of Black River is strategically important to the south coast and will form the hub for heritage trails going throughout that region," the Minister said.

The planned investments in Black River are aimed at enhancing the town´s reputation as a vibrant community in which to live and work, she said.

The programme aims to provide a framework for the natural and man-made environment and to achieve orderly and sustainable development of the south coast.

The plan includes land use designation to promote: best use and sustainable development of natural resources; protection and conservation of the terrestrial and marine environment; conservation of the cultural heritage; community development and improved health conditions; and diversification of economic activities.