WESTERN BUREAU:
TOURISM MINISTER Edmund Bartlett has renewed a name for the tourism and agriculture sectors to work collectively with a purpose to enhance the food-based choices for guests who come to Jamaica for a gastronomic expertise.
While addressing the official launch of the restored Holland Bamboo Scenic Avenue in St Elizabeth lately, Bartlett famous that the two sectors have helped in Jamaica’s persevering with restoration from the affect of the international COVID-19 pandemic.
“Tourism is not an industry by itself, and tourism only happens because other industries are happening, so if they do not happen seamlessly to create the product and the experience, there is no tourism,” mentioned Bartlett.
“People do not come to Jamaica for tourism. People come to Jamaica to eat the wonderful food that is prepared by Jamaicans from the gardens of Jamaica.”
Approximately 42 per cent of customer expenditure is on meals, the minister mentioned.
Bartlett lamented that regardless of a requirement for greater than J$350 billion in agricultural produce for tourism alone, solely 20 per cent was being equipped by native farming pursuits.
He steered that particular markets could possibly be created for gadgets reminiscent of tuna fish farmed in the waters off Bowden, St Thomas, if a provide chain could possibly be created and stabilised.
“For our oranges and guavas, all of these are wonderful for beverages and juices they provide for the industry and also for export. We want a serious discussion on the supply chain,” mentioned Bartlett.
“Agriculture is at the heart of tourism, and I want to ensure that this symbiotic relationship is not just talk.”
christopher.thomas@gleanerjm.com