The consultation which was attended by key tourism stakeholders, including community representatives, saw a wide range of discussions on the issue. Among the speakers were Bartlett, country representative of the World Bank, Giorgio Valentini, and managing director of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, JSIF, Scarlette Gillings.

In lauding the project, Bartlett highlighted the importance and benefits of community-based tourism, adding that "the initiative is intended to facilitate the development of a framework aimed at enhancing the policy and institutional capacity needed to develop community-based tourism as a sustainable growth sector locally."

Bartlett said "this is a vital initiative, as despite the fact that the tourism sector remains the island's primary foreign exchange earner and the driving force of the Jamaican economy, there is still considerable potential for further growth and development. As I have always said, the key to further growth is through the diversification of our product offering to ensure that Jamaica remains competitive and distinguishes itself from rival destinations." The minister added that "community-based tourism provides the springboard to firmly establish yet another driver of visitor arrivals to fuel further growth in the sector."

Stressing that many Jamaicans stand to gain financially, the tourism minister emphasised that "the development of community-based tourism will greatly benefit the wider economy as well. If more Jamaicans become involved in tourism at the community level, this will result in the broadening of the ownership base within the sector."