Golding wants more tourism dollars flowing to local economy

PEOPLE’S National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding on Enclave Tourism and Beach Access

Introduction

People’s National Party President Mark Golding addressed his supporters at the party’s annual conference, emphasizing the need to address “enclave tourism” and beach access in Jamaica. He highlighted the importance of these issues in promoting sustainable development and ensuring greater economic benefits for the local community.

Enclave Tourism and its Impact on the Local Economy

1. Golding criticized the current model of “enclave tourism” where tourists primarily stay within hotels and participate in organized tours, limiting the economic benefits for the local economy.
2. He emphasized that tourism should contribute more significantly to the national economy, considering its substantial contribution to GDP and employment.
3. Golding argued that most earnings from tourism do not stay in Jamaica, and the larger hotels benefit disproportionately from the sector.

Transitioning to a More Inclusive Model

• Golding pledged that a future PNP Government would transition away from enclave tourism towards a more inclusive model integrated into the Jamaican economy.
• He proposed providing incentives to hotels that integrate their business models with the local community and economy.

Beach Access and Social Exclusion

1. Golding expressed concern about the loss of beach access for local communities due to the expansion of the hotel industry.
2. He highlighted the negative impact of beach exclusion on ordinary Jamaicans, reminding them of historical injustices.
3. Golding promised that the next PNP Government would address this issue by implementing a progressive beach access policy.
4. He mentioned the Beach Control Act as a tool to acquire rights over private land for public beach access.

Collaboration with Tourism Investors

• Golding emphasized the importance of partnering with tourism investors to secure appropriate rights of access for the public while ensuring economic benefits for investors and Jamaica.

Conclusion

Golding reiterated his commitment to making the tourism industry more inclusive and beneficial for the local economy. He emphasized the need for collaboration with the hotel sector and the implementation of progressive policies to achieve sustainable development goals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 14: Life Below Water

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
• SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• SDG 14.7: By 2030, increase the economic benefits to small island developing states and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 8.9: Number of jobs in the tourism sector that promote local culture and products.
• Indicator for SDG 11.1: Percentage of population with access to adequate housing and basic services.
• Indicator for SDG 14.7: Economic benefits generated from sustainable use of marine resources in small island developing states.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Explanation:

The article discusses the issues of “enclave tourism” and beach access in Jamaica. These issues are connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article highlights the need for tourism to contribute more to the local economy and create jobs. This aligns with SDG 8, which aims to promote sustainable economic growth and decent work for all.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article mentions the loss of beach access for local communities and the need for inclusive tourism. This relates to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities with equal access to basic services.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article mentions the economic benefits of sustainable use of marine resources. SDG 14 aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

Based on the content of the article, specific targets under these SDGs can be identified:

• SDG 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
• SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• SDG 14.7: By 2030, increase the economic benefits to small island developing states and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources.

The article also implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets:

• Indicator for SDG 8.9: Number of jobs in the tourism sector that promote local culture and products.
• Indicator for SDG 11.1: Percentage of population with access to adequate housing and basic services.
• Indicator for SDG 14.7: Economic benefits generated from sustainable use of marine resources in small island developing states.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: jamaicaobserver.com

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