JLP Vows Affordable Housing for Tourism Workers

Affordable housing for tourism workers is one of the top priorities in the JLP’s 18-point plan for the sector.

The promise is outlined in the party’s 2025 election manifesto.

The document, dubbed “I Choose Jamaica: The Next Chapter”, was launched in Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St James, on Sunday.

Colliecia Wright has this report.

The JLP’s manifesto features 1-hundred and-10 pages of proposals across various sectors, including tourism.

At the manifesto launch on Sunday, Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, says housing for tourism workers will be a main priority in the 18-point plan.

The plan also outlines that the JLP will seek to make negotiations with resort developers to include on-site or nearby staff accommodations.

It will also seek to strengthen partnerships with the National Housing Trust, NHT and other private sector developers in an effort to bring about more affordable housing solutions for tourism workers.

Bartlett says the JLP also plans to create greater inclusivity for local manufacturers, farmers, creatives and professionals in the tourism supply chain.

The Tourism Minister also used the occasion to boast about what he says is the significant growth of the industry under the Holness administration.

In 2024, Jamaica’s tourism industry earned over US $4 billion.

The 2024 end-of-year figures represented increases of 5.3 percent in visitor arrivals and 3.3 percent in earnings compared to 2023.

Minister Bartlett says the party’s 18-point plan for the sector will add to this growth.