Known for its white-sand beaches, lush vegetation and friendly people, the parish of Portland is a significant contributor to the impressive tourism experience in Jamaica.

Licence Processing Manager at the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Sheryl Lewis, tells JIS News that tourism in the eastern parish has been showing growth and is poised to make an even more noticeable impact on Brand Jamaica.

“The road network has been significantly improved, so because of that there are opportunities which are now opening up for persons there within the tourism belt. You have the cruise ships that come in, so persons will want to go to the attractions and there are also varied accommodations,” Lewis says.

This is why she is encouraging tourism business operators in the parish and elsewhere to become compliant by getting licensed with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

“Based on the Tourist Board Act, you are required, once you are offering these tourism-related activities, to have a Jamaica Tourist Board licence. So, we are encouraging persons to become compliant,” Lewis urges.

She notes that there are persons currently operating and are not in possession of a JTB licence while pointing out that upon becoming licensed, they will be able to access the myriad benefits that currently exist.

“We are actually in the process—the Ministry of Tourism, TPDCo and JTB—of a review of legislation where it will become that more important for persons to make sure they are licensed so that they are in compliance with the law,” Lewis added.

Earlier this month, TPDCo staged a licensing expo at the Hotel Tim Bamboo in Port Antonio, which followed a series of expos that previously took place in Montego Bay, Negril, Kingston and Ocho Rios. In Portland, 36 persons were in attendance, with 13 craft applications received and 15 consultations facilitated.

Lewis says that persons wanted to open various attractions, hotels or other accommodations, such as villas, apartments and guest houses, as well as persons who were seeking to start tour companies and travel agencies. This is also an indicator of the growing and vibrant tourism product of the parish.