ST. ELIZABETH:
INTEREST IN the development of tourism on the south coast is again on the frontburner, with industry players emphasising that educating the region's young people, among other factors, will be important to its development.
South coast tourism development has been the subject of many studies and proposals over the last 15 years, but there has been little movement to enhance the product.
The last study was done by the London-based Halcrow Group more than three years ago at a cost of US$5 million.
Stretching from southern Clarendon to the eastern end of Westmoreland, the south coast has managed to remain environmentally-friendly when compared with the north coast and other tourist resorts.
However, although there is a new thrust by the government to get south coast tourism going, many of the players have cautioned that if the communities were not directly involved and the proper promotions done then attempts at development would be futile.
Everold Christian, operator of Little Ochi Restaurant in Alligator Pond, told The Gleaner that for tourism to develop on the south coast in an orderly manner, the young people of the region must be educated in tourism.
He said they must first be taught to appreciate the beauty of the coast and the country and protect it as an asset before "we can sell it to others."
Diana Pike of Astra Country Style Inn in Mandeville also believed that education in tourism was a key factor to any development in the area. Considered a pioneer in the region's tourist industry, Mrs. Pike said it was time to focus on making the south coast the home for "sustainable tourism", with Mandeville as the hub. To do that, she said, resource persons from the region must be involved in formulating the development plans.
On the other hand, Henry Vacianna of the Mandeville Hotel, believed that in spite of the natural resources, the coast would have to diversify its attractions in order to entice local tourists to explore what the south coast has to offer.
While most industry players have been upbeat about the future of the coast, many, including chairman of the South Coast Resort Board, Merrick Gayle, have expressed concern about the failure of some hotels in the region to meet the Jamaica Tourist Board licensing standards.
