JSIF approves funding to revise community tourism policy and facilitate demand study

Chairman, Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), Dr. Wayne Henry (left), joins in conversation with Executive Director, Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust, Dr. Suzan Otuokon (centre) and Chief Technical Director, Ministry of Tourism, David Dobson, during the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) II seminar at the AC Hotel by Marriott in St Andrew on July 29.
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KINGSTON, Jamaica — The board of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) has approved funding of $50 million for the evaluation and revision of the National Community Tourism Policy as well as the facilitation of a demand study.

Approximately $30 million will go to the evaluation and revision of the policy while $20 million will be used for the demand study.

 

Speaking at the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) II seminar at the AC Hotel by Marriott in St Andrew on July 29, Managing Director of JSIF, Omar Sweeney, said the undertakings are critical in supporting community tourism development in the country, particularly in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its impact on the sector.

 

“While the community tourism policy was approved in 2015, we will evaluate that against the current realities, because we are in a new reality now from 2015,” he said.

 

Kemeisha Batchan, Project Manager of REDI II, noted that the demand study will help to better position “ourselves internationally, regionally and, of course, locally based on the trends in demand”.

 

Batchan said that it will also assist in developing the types of products and experiences needed to be able to meet the various tastes of the market.

 

She indicated that following the signing of the necessary contracts, consultants will be engaged for the undertakings.