It’s three weeks since the tourism industry has reopened, but in Eastern Jamaica, there are little to no signs that tourists have returned.
For some vendors across Portland who depend on the sector to earn a living say they are yet to see any visitors since the borders were opened on June 15.
Despite the government easing restrictions and reducing curfew hours, some beaches and businesses remain closed.
According to Miss Dawn, a craft vendor things are far from normal, ” mi nuh see the reopening of the tourism industry in Port Antonio at, mi nuh see no tourist at all.”
Another man says he normally makes his money by assisting tourists in finding their way around the parish, despite tourists being almost a distant memory he said he is hopeful better days are ahead.
He says the absence of tourists has been an eye-opener for Portlanders who rely on the industry directly and indirectly.
According to him, persons are now aware of the economic importance of the tourists that come
But as the arrival of tourists in the parish is being delayed, the craft vendor says already persons are exploring their next best option, farming.
She said before craft vending she spent much of her time working as a farmer, now she is back doing farming as the Coronavirus outbreak continues to reduce sales.
