Robert Tonge Says Tourism Is Engine for National Growth and Poverty Alleviation

Robert Tonge says tourism is the engine for national growth, poverty alleviation, and a better life. Speaking during the World Tourism Day, the minister for tourism said the tourism sector drives economic growth and empowerment in the country. He added that growth in the tourism industry is directly linked to increasing productivity in food, culture, transport and other key activities.

“Our industry is indeed one of the main engines of growth and an effective tool for poverty elevation and raising standards among people,” Tonge stated. “This industry is what drives economic and social development in our country, linking with other key segments of the productive sectors in agriculture, food, and beverage, transportation, telecommunications, cultural entertainment and a host of other key activities.”

The honourable minister noted that the CBI programme has been largely instrumental in driving growth in the economic sector. The CBI has encouraged private investors to swarm into Dominica and the revenue generated under the programme has aided the construction of enduring projects across the country. Tonge said the levels of investments in the private and public sectors have increased and this means more money and progress for the country.

The confidence exhibited by investors has led to the creation of thousands of jobs within the tourism. These jobs can be witnessed in the real estate, hotels and recreation centers, ports and bridges, road construction and rehabilitation, as well as housing properties. Skilled professionals such as transporters, tour guides, art and craft vendors, and administrative and managerial personnel in hotel management, accounting, and human resource management among others are also created by the tourism industry.

To this end, the tourism industry is developing a tourism model where people in their local communities can engage in the sector in their individual districts. Tonge said the government will invest in community-based tourism so that local tourism workers can be better empowered to run the industry to last generations yet unborn. He said the resilient housing projects constructed by the Skerrit-led administration and the fledging hospitality sector is all part of tourism that is attracting people to the country and providing jobs for locals.

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