Ease pet-travelling restrictions, boost tourism - Lynch

Director of Tourism John Lynch says Jamaica would be a more attractive destination for tourists if the country had freer pet-travelling laws.

In an effort to continue the country's rabies-free status, Jamaica has had very strict laws (dating back to 1948) governing the importation of animals into the country.

Lynch told The Gleaner that persons have requested that the laws be changed but admitted there hasn't been a "landslide" of requests.

"The people who request that kind of activity would be more upscale," Lynch said.

Under the Animal Diseases and Importation Act, no dog or cat shall be imported into the island, except such animal is imported directly from Great Britain, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Eire.

Lynch told The Gleaner that the United States (US) was one of the countries that brought the most tourists to the island.

He said "people are very attached to their pets," especially in the US.

Growing trend

Although it's mostly "up-scale" people who travel with pets, Lynch said there was potential to expand the tourism industry.

"People travelling with their pets is a growing phenomenon now in the world of travel. People are travelling with their pets more," Lynch said.

When asked what he thought Jamaica's tourism industry would be like with freer pet laws, Lynch said "people would come, you'd be attracting a new market".

The tourism director said even hotels are becoming more pet friendly in order to adapt to the demand.

"It is something that has potential, it could grow."

Lynch said he would like to see the laws amended as quickly as possible.

Gov't mulling change

Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke told The Gleaner that private entities from time to time request for Jamaica's pet travel laws to be revised.

"We do get requests for people wanting us to wave the conditions," Clarke said.

"As a matter of a fact, it's under active consideration now. We are in the process of looking at the laws and to see what is the disease profile in those countries and to see if any other country can qualify."

Alluding to the proverb "one one coco full basket," Lynch said amendments to the law would contribute to the growth of the economy because it would attract a new market of tourists.

-Davion Smith