Gay Tourism Potential? (Letter plus)

The following is a letter to the Gleaner on potential expansion of LGBT tourism since recent US gay marriage court ruling. I am in agreement with most of the sentiments as the private networking as obtains now or links from larger properties to markets via gay pride and advocates now exists.

The potential for the pink dollar is tremendous but it seems in Jamaica we are usually behind the times and allow others to take the lead in some sense.

Bearing in mind Cuba does not have a buggery law and pervasive homo/transphobia as we do and despite their communist stance they do allow LGBT tours once planned properly and such. Groups such as CENESEX headed by none other than the daughter of Fidel Castro, Mariela Castro has made significant strides.

Now to the letter:

THE EDITOR, Sir:

With the recent landmark ruling of the United States Supreme Court further entrenching the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, this time giving same-sex couples the lawful right to marry, is Jamaica prepared for the spillover effects of this move? Jamaica has long been viewed as probably one of the most homophobic countries in the world, even though this is far from the truth. However, should the discussions about the possible benefits to our tourism sector begin?

Nobody can argue with the fact that the spending power of same-sex couples is most times much stronger than that of heterosexual couples. With this new wave of change that will hit the US, honeymoons and family vacations will now feel more like a right to same-sex couples, and Jamaica is in a perfect location to benefit from this.

Jamaica has the perfect package - sun, sea, sand, culture, entertainment - that can truly resonate with vacationers. But are we prepared for this new type of tourism? Are hotel workers ready and willing to serve two ladies in love? Or two men who have recently tied the knot? Are our police officers prepared to protect possible same-sex tourists who may become victims of discrimination in our tourism areas? And the biggest question of all, is our Government prepared to stand by our product - Jamaica - as one that is open for all to enjoy?

There can be no pussyfooting around the issue; we must face it.

I think the Ministry of Tourism needs to take a very in-depth look at the potential for Jamaica, and not wait until after other Caribbean islands has started and are benefiting. Lest we get the leftovers, as with the ganja movement.

Hotels need to start training their team members about cultural diversity as do schools certifying hospitality workers. Same-sex couples will want to experience Jamaica. It's better we be prepared than act obliviously to what's going to happen because people now feel more entitled to travel with their legal partner.

JAVID BROWN

Ocho Rios, St Ann

ENDS

I hope someone in authority take heed; the larger resorts do already encourage LGBT tourists especially with certain events such as Bloom at Hedonism or so on.

Others such as the up-end market Round Hill is known for entertaining LGBT guests as couples and so on.

A word to the wise is sufficient.

Peace & tolerance

H