Seiveright Urges Local Tourism Players to Think Global at MoBay City Run Launch
MONTEGO BAY, St James — In a spirited address at the launch of this year’s Jill Stewart MoBay City Run, State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright, encouraged local tourism entrepreneurs to broaden their horizons and seek opportunities beyond Jamaica’s shores. The event, held at the picturesque Sandals Montego Bay Resort, set the stage for the run scheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Seiveright, who recently stepped into his role, emphasized the importance of collaboration among smaller players in the tourism sector. “Pool your resources where necessary and go for more business opportunities elsewhere; it’s very important,” he stated, highlighting the success of Jamaican entrepreneurs who have secured significant contracts in countries like Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
The minister’s message was clear: working together can yield greater results than competing against one another. “Come together; if you have eight, nine businesses, you may be competitors, but sometimes it’s going to come together as a collaborative pool,” he advised, urging local businesses to unite for mutual benefit.
Historically, smaller tourism operators have voiced concerns about not receiving their fair share of the industry’s profits. Seiveright, now tasked with enhancing linkages between tourism and the broader economy, encouraged these players to think bigger. “Local networking is important, but you also have to budget in attendance at critical international shows like IMEX and Fitur in Spain,” he pointed out, noting that these events attract hundreds of thousands of participants.
While acknowledging that funding can be a hurdle, Seiveright stressed the long-term benefits of investing in business growth. “You need to be present at these shows because I see the presence of micro, small, and big players from other countries — to include the Dominican Republic, which is properly represented at these shows,” he insisted.
He urged local businesses to make their mark in the global tourism arena. “If you are serious about tapping into this multi-billion-dollar industry, then you must budget for it, make time for it, and make yourself visible,” he said.
Seiveright also highlighted the importance of engagement. “For our local businesses to succeed, they must do more than produce. They must engage, engage, engage. That means showing up at the tables where decisions are made and deals are done,” he added, underscoring the need for local players to be proactive.
However, he didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges that come with international business. “We understand the operational difficulties of operating a business in Jamaica. Let’s be frank: The costs are high, there are infrastructure issues, and there are financing gaps,” he acknowledged. Yet, he warned that failing to meet international standards could lead to missed opportunities. “If you can’t deliver consistently, you’re going to lose out,” he cautioned.
Despite his push for a global outlook, Seiveright reminded attendees of the importance of excelling in the local market as well. “You can’t forget your roots while reaching for the stars,” he said, encouraging businesses to maintain high standards and become trusted suppliers.
As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, Seiveright’s call to action resonates deeply within the industry. Will local businesses rise to the challenge and seize the opportunities that await them on the international stage? Only time will tell, but the potential for growth is as vast as the Caribbean Sea itself.