As small hotels continue to face challenges brought about by an evolving tourism landscape dominated by mega hotels, hotel owner and Managing Director of Charela Inn, Daniel Grizzle has made a bold step to encourage his fellow hoteliers within the small accommodation sector to invest strategically in the tourism workforce of tomorrow.

In a recent scholarship luncheon hosted at the resort, Grizzle highlighted the need to address the pressing shortage of skilled workers in the tourism sector.

“Investing in the future of Jamaica’s tourism workforce is not just an option but a necessity,” said Grizzle. “As mega hotels continue to expand, small hotels will need to help create an ecosystem where young, talented individuals can thrive in smaller establishments. This investment ensures a robust and competitive industry for years to come.”

Currently, Charela Inn, through the Slyvie Foundation, makes an annual donation of over 1.2 million Jamaican dollars in scholarships to support exceptional students from low-income families and has made a significant impact in the community, providing support that fosters local talent and encourages youths to pursue careers in tourism and other supporting industries.

The resort also prides itself in employing a dedicated team, with the majority of its staff boasting an impressive 10 to 20 years of experience at the resort. This longevity reflects the potential success of sustainable practices around talent nurturing and employee retention. To further foster this culture of development, Charela Inn continues to engage young talent with initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining young workers. 

One such initiative is the resorts’ Summer Mentorship Program, which provides high school students with hands-on experience in various facets of the hospitality industry. The programme is designed to inspire and ignite passion to have a career in the hotel industry. “By stepping forward and collaborating to build a strong talent pipeline, the small hotel sector can play a pivotal role in sustaining Jamaica’s vibrant tourism industry,” expressed Grizzle.