Jamaica Tourism Pension Scheme Gains Global Attention

Jamaica’s Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme is gaining international attention. UN Tourism officials have described the programme as a model that other countries could replicate.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett shared the update during the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) media breakfast in Ocho Rios. He spoke about the development following meetings in Saudi Arabia.

Bartlett said UN Tourism officials praised Jamaica’s approach to social protection for tourism workers. He described the recognition as an exciting development.

The pension scheme now holds more than $6 billion in savings. More than 10,800 tourism workers have registered with the programme.

Jamaica launched the scheme to address financial insecurity among tourism workers. Many people spend years working in the tourism industry without retirement protection.

The programme aims to improve financial security for workers who contribute to the country’s tourism sector.

Pension Scheme Covers Tourism Workers

The scheme began on January 31, 2020. It could eventually benefit about 350,000 workers across Jamaica’s tourism industry.

Workers between 18 and 59 years old can join the programme. The scheme covers permanent employees, contract workers and self-employed people.

Eligible workers include hotel employees, craft vendors and tour operators. Red-cap porters, contract carriage workers and employees at attractions can also participate.

Workers can receive pension benefits from age 65.

Bartlett said the international attention has special importance for Jamaica. The country developed the programme to strengthen social protection within the tourism industry.

He also said the scheme can help improve financial security for people who have spent years supporting the sector.

UN Tourism officials see the Jamaican approach as something other countries could consider. The programme offers a model for destinations looking to strengthen retirement support for tourism workers.

The scheme continues to build its reach across Jamaica. More than 10,800 workers have joined, while savings have passed $6 billion.

The programme forms part of Jamaica’s efforts to improve financial security for tourism workers. It also supports wider social protection within the country’s tourism sector.