Jamaicans and tourism
published: Thursday | December 4, 2003

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE JAMAICAN community abroad and at home is an important and largely untapped market in the tourism sector. Although many Jamaicans regularly stay at various properties, there are thousands at home and abroad who have not, even though they can afford to do so. It is therefore amazing to me that so few hoteliers promote their properties in Jamaican communities. The continuing backward and racist treatment meted out to black people, especially Jamaicans, is certainly no way to encourage us to visit your properties.

Every person who utilises a service in the tourist industry is important. It is true that the average Jamaican visitor spends a lot of money with a much wider variety of businesses all over the island. The car rental industry, for instance, is largely, if not mostly supported by Jamaicans as others are afraid to drive on our roads.

However, all is not lost. Early in July my family had the great pleasure of staying at the Holiday Inn at Rosehall and the Tree House in Negril. There were many Jamaicans staying at the Holiday Inn, which was fully occupied. The staff was friendly and the service great. At the Tree House the clerk at the front desk said: "I want you to stay here." She then gave us a discount, a deal we could not refuse. The clientele at the Tree House was mainly African-American and again the service was great. Many thanks also to Budget and Bargain Car Rental, and the numerous street and market vendors, especially in Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth. Congratulations to all of you and others for recognising that despite the differences in skin colour, we are all human beings and the colour of our money is the same.

I am, etc.,

GLEN REYNOLDS

rglen357@aol.com

White Plains

New York

Via Go-Jamaica