Jamaica, Beyond Tourism
The Health Ministry is currently reviewing protocols to reopen the tourism industry. For some Jamaicans this news is thrilling, but for others, it might be terrifying.
Recent reports on COVID-19 confirm just under 600 cases locally and over 6 million globally. To date, COVID-19 has taken over $370,000 lives, but it has taken even more livelihoods.
CARICOM Chairman, Mia Mottley estimates the Region's GDP losses to be between 40%-60% in April 2020. Fortunately, April marks the end of the peak tourist season.
Tourism has been contributing upwards of 30% to Jamaica's GDP for the past 10 years, but for obvious reasons, this rate of earning is unlikely this year.
In a recent interview with Forbes.com, the Tourism Minister registered his intention to re-open between June and August 2020. June is already upon us and August is only a few moons away. Is this dedication or desperation? The Minister estimates that a Summer start, can see Jamaica receiving up to 2 million visitors before the year ends - roughly the same number as last year. Can we handle it?
I don't have to be Economist, to appreciate this dilemma. This is very much a catch-22, but should re-opening be driven by timelines ? How much weight should be placed on preparedness?
The Caribbean is the world's most travel dependent region. The thing about dependency is that leaves many things beyond your control. With the best intentions and protocols in place, Jamaica reserves the right to re-open to Tourists. But when we open, will they come?
Given the worldwide reports of mass job cuts, layoffs and furlough, I can think of a few reasons why tourist travel may be low. These include:
Focusing on reinvesting in their domestic economy
Health - safety concerns given the millions of active cases
Prioritizing time at home with family and friends
No longer being able to afford travel, it even if they want to
Given its dependency on tourism, Jamaica will be getting a pay cut, whether we like it or not. Must our fate always be in the hands of another country? I suggest it's time to look beyond tourism
USA is the number one tourist destination in the world and also number one in agricultural export. Agriculture must not be thought of, or taught as the poor man's profession. Farming is not a vocation and agriculture has grown beyond farms.
The time has come for us to stop overlooking our potential. With the proper framework and infrastructure in place, Jamaica can strengthen its Agriculture Industry and simultaneously create new ones. Agriculture has the ability to stimulate growth in science, manufacturing, industrialization and export trade.
Jamaica is more than just a pretty girl. Her track record demonstrates beauty and brains. We have many smart revenue generating solutions within our control. It is time to rally around film, music, art, agro-businesses, small scale farming, renewable energy and digital transformation.
Jamaica must cure it’s Tourism dependence.
