BLACK RIVER, St. Elizabeth
COMMUNITY TOURISM on Jamaica's south coast has received a boost, with the news that the Sandals Group has signed on to the concept, said Desmond Henry, former Direc-tor of Tourism.
He told The Gleaner recently that Sandals has signed up to the idea of community tourism, especially at its Whitehouse property which is due to come on stream next year. Mr. Henry said that the Sandals Group also recognised the need to play its role in helping to develop community tourism.
"We are looking forward to tying up some international funding commitment to forge community tourism and its development ahead," said Mr Henry, adding that his team should be commended for what has been achieved so far in getting tourists to appreciate Jamaica's culture.
Mr. Henry, who served as Director of Tourism between 1976 and 1980, said that the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) needed to play its role in helping to sell and develop the idea of community tourism. He admitted that one of the critical areas of south coast tourism was marketing and the JTB had failed in that respect.
