The EDITOR Sir:INCREASED ARRIVALS have little meaning, until we qualify and quantify the value of those arrivals and by extension find ways to maximise the value of those arrivals through tourism spending around the island.
Casino gambling may seem a quick and easy option for increased tourism spending; in fact the amount of money earned from casinos can be used to effectively develop community projects, tours and attractions. But will this be the case? The introduction of casino gambling although lucrative will only be regenerating a 'top-down' development strategy; something that needs changing; we need to lay our development foundations from the bottom-up.
Developing our community entrepreneurs and community tourism will set a solid sustainable foundation for our national and tourism development. Our administrators need to show more confidence in our people by diving fully into community development, through increasing partnerships with community development agencies and organisations. After all, communities make up the product.
There is so much untouched potential that can set us apart from the rest of our tourism competitors. Let's touch it, hold it and make it part of our tourism product and bring new levels of tourism spending.
I am etc.,
MARK PIKE
Xtraboy2001@hotmail.com
62 Ward Avenue, PO Box 60
Mandeville, Manchester
