In what’s being described as a historic move, the Tourism Ministry will be conducting a detailed study of the economic implications of the 20,000 new hotel rooms to be established in the country, over the next decade.

Speaking at a Post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House this morning (April 19), Portfolio Minister Edmund Bartlett said the impact study is transformative.

He said while the Ministry seeks to increase the number of rooms available for tourists, it is also essential to identify and evaluate the potential impacts of such a move.

Against this backdrop, plans are in motion to source funds for the detailed impact study.

Mr Bartlett said the aim of the study includes providing a credible, rigorous, evidence-based information arrangement, which can be used for public awareness programmes and to build out the value chain of the tourism industry.

Mr Bartlett said it is expected that confirmation on suppliers and partners for the study will be made within the next three months.