HANOVER, Jamaica — Jamaica’s western tourism corridor has been officially designated as the cornerstone of the island’s long-term tourism strategy and competitive positioning in the global market. The declaration came from Tova Hamilton, State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, during a comprehensive working tour of the region led by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett.
Minister Hamilton’s site inspections at Chukka Ocean Outpost in Sandy Bay and the Grand Palladium Resort & Spa on Friday reinforced the government’s conviction that sustainable development practices must guide the sector’s expansion. “Our responsibility as a Government is to ensure this growth remains balanced, sustainable and inclusive,” Hamilton emphasized.
The government’s framework for responsible tourism development includes implementing stringent standards, enhancing destination assurance programs, and improving infrastructural and environmental management systems. A critical component involves strengthening economic linkages to ensure greater retention of tourism revenues within local communities through Jamaican workers and suppliers.
Hamilton highlighted Chukka Ocean Outpost as an exemplary model of environmental stewardship and employment generation within the adventure and nature-based tourism segment. “Attractions like this introduce dynamic new energy to our tourism product while emphasizing our collective responsibility to protect coastal ecosystems, coral reefs, and local communities,” she noted.
The tour also recognized the substantial economic impact of major hotel investments, with properties like Grand Palladium generating confidence and creating opportunities across Hanover, Westmoreland, and St. James parishes. Hamilton emphasized that expansion and innovation by hotel partners stimulate broader value chain benefits for agricultural producers, manufacturers, transportation services, and professional service providers.
As the ministerial delegation proceeded to Negril, attention turned to cultural preservation and infrastructure verification following Hurricane Melissa. The assessment aims to confirm operational readiness regarding staffing, room capacity, and guest activities, reinforcing market confidence that Negril remains fully operational, secure, and welcoming ahead of the winter tourist season.
Hamilton concluded by commending tourism workers for their resilience and professionalism, aligning the tour with the ministry’s broader initiative toward a responsible, people-centered recovery strategy.