In an important effort to address the housing issues faced by Jamaican workers in the tourism sector, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) is partnering with the New Social Housing Program to improve living conditions for those currently living in substandard accommodation. allocated $500 million to
The Minister for Tourism, His Excellency Edmund Bartlett, announced the initiative at the start of the 2024/25 sectoral debate in the House of Commons on 30 April.
Bridging the tourism workforce gap
Minister Bartlett reflected on the urgency behind this collaboration and stressed the urgency of addressing the living standards of tourism workers.
He highlighted the disparity between the luxurious surroundings enjoyed by many tourists and the modest accommodation some workers live in, and considered this a discrepancy that needed to be corrected.
partnership and progress
Minister Bartlett emphasized that bringing about meaningful change will require a collective effort and made it clear that partners in the tourism industry are committed to delivering value for the Government’s investment.
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This joint effort aims to provide up to 100 housing units tailored to the needs of low-income tourism workers this fiscal year.
Expansion and investment
Minister Bartlett announced plans to move beyond direct government intervention and involve the private sector in housing initiatives.
Hotel investors will contribute by providing 3,000 housing units, and concrete projects are already underway.
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In particular, the Hannover development is ready to deliver 500 and 600 units, respectively, exclusively to local workers.
A vision of sustainable tourism
Looking ahead, Minister Bartlett outlined ambitious plans for the future of tourism in Jamaica. He hinted at monumental upcoming investments in St. Ann, known as the largest in the country’s tourism history.
This groundbreaking project envisions the creation of a comprehensive village infrastructure that includes fishermen’s facilities, educational institutions, and public facilities, demonstrating a commitment to holistic development.
