The Tourism Minister stressed that tourism must remain a critical catalyst in the economy enabling job creation and poverty alleviation. "So we are looking now at broadening the base of ownership within the industry by having people appreciate that ownership doesn't only mean owning a hotel, but means being able to supply what is required to meet the needs of the visitors who come into the country," he said.
General manager of the JNSBL, Frank Whylie, outlined that the partnership with TEF was borne out of an aim to encourage entrepreneurs who operate small- and medium-size businesses to streamline their stake in the tourism industry and further develop community-based tourism. He added that as a result, there has been tremendous growth in the capacity of small businesses operating in the tourism sector. Whylie said many small hotels, attractions and transport operators were able to improve their businesses through the tourism loan scheme, adding facilities and implementing other capacity building projects to increase the competitiveness of their operations. Caribbean360.com