The picturesque Hillside community in St. Thomas, renowned for its breathtaking Reggae Falls, is set to receive increased attention and development from the Ministry of Tourism.

On Thursday (June 22), portfolio minister Edmund Bartlett led a Destination Assurance tour of the area, accompanied by key ministry personnel, stakeholders, and member of parliament (MP) for St. Thomas Western, James Robertson.

During the visit, Bartlett expressed the ministry’s commitment to improving the Hillside area and enhancing the infrastructure within the community. He highlighted ongoing discussions regarding the revitalisation of the roads leading to Reggae Falls, emphasising the collaboration between the ministry, residents, and Robertson.

“We have already begun working on some of the roads leading to Reggae Falls, and we will continue this collaboration to ensure full accessibility to the Falls,” said Bartlett announced, who also acknowledged the importance of addressing broader issues related to access and ownership structures within the area.

Bartlett stressed the significance of Reggae Falls as a public treasure accessible to all Jamaicans and international visitors and expressed the ministry’s desire to foster wealth creation within the Hillside community by attracting visitors and encouraging their participation in various tourism-related activities.

“There are numerous opportunities for Hillside residents to engage in the tourism value chain, such as food and drink offerings, nutraceuticals, and wellness services,” Bartlett explained as he further highlighted the potential for developing storytelling capabilities and providing knowledgeable guides to enhance visitors’ educational and immersive experiences.

Recognizing the region’s rich biodiversity, Bartlett emphasized the potential for creating unique products that would further enhance visitors’ overall experience in Hillside.

“We are extremely excited about exploring the area in-depth, conducting thorough studies, and providing support to the community in their development efforts,” affirmed the minister.

The Destination Assurance tour of St. Thomas also included a visit to the famous Bath Fountain in the Eastern end of the parish, with the participation of Member of Parliament for St. Thomas Eastern, Dr Michelle Charles.

The Ministry’s Destination Assurance tour is an islandwide initiative aimed at formulating and implementing strategies to improve the tourism value chain throughout Jamaica. With the Ministry of Tourism’s focus on Hillside and Reggae Falls, residents and visitors can look forward to enhanced experiences and increased economic opportunities in this captivating community.