Too many concerns in the tourism sector

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Beienetch Watson’s article ‘Conflating colourism with quality in Jamaica’s hotel industry’ in t he Sunday Gleaner was an excellent article that suitably addressed many of the pertinent issues on the hiring practices of the local tourism industry. Shamefully, the top and many of the middle-management positions of even locally owned hotels are inexplicably (as evidenced in the article) occupied by expats.

It would be great if a revisit were done on the subject of entertainment content and talent employed in the tourism industry, as well as the extent to which the industry makes use of locally produced food.

The recently discussed pension plan for workers in the sector is worthy of support and is overdue, as is the need for accessible housing for tourism workers. These could be added incentives for the industry to attract local professionals.

And while we’re looking into these matters, an examination should be made of the extent to which the industry benefits from government incentives/tax breaks/advertising and promotion, and how these produce reflows to national income.

Again, this article makes an excellent read!

HECTON HEMANS