NewsWhore
12-06-2006, 05:40 PM
A report by the World Bank's Caribbean Management Unit and the Ministry for Technical Affairs has recommended introducing some changes in both the tourism and free zone sectors. According to the report, while the linkages between the sectors were important, such as tourism and the construction industry or the free zones and the transport sector, in general, it is the investors who reap the greatest benefits. Regarding the free zones, the report, which is quoted by Listin Diario says that while it is true that many thousands of jobs were created, and these jobs provide employment for unskilled women who might otherwise been excluded from the workforce, the economic impact would have been greater if a larger investment had been made in technology and a trained workforce, and if production had centered on products with a higher added value.
Regarding tourism, the report says that the current model of all-inclusive resorts, which it describes as "enclaves", limits any interaction between tourists and the rest of the economy. The report warns that the future competitiveness of the tourism sector will face several challenges to the specialization of low-cost tourism, which is vulnerable to outside shocks such as the exchange rate or competition from newly popular destinations. The report emphasizes the need for a better trained workforce and a structural change towards higher valued products.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#5)
Regarding tourism, the report says that the current model of all-inclusive resorts, which it describes as "enclaves", limits any interaction between tourists and the rest of the economy. The report warns that the future competitiveness of the tourism sector will face several challenges to the specialization of low-cost tourism, which is vulnerable to outside shocks such as the exchange rate or competition from newly popular destinations. The report emphasizes the need for a better trained workforce and a structural change towards higher valued products.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#5)