Camille Needham, executive director Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association.

Though kick-starting a small hotel or villa is a daunting task in the wake of the global economic downturn which has depressed expectations in the tourism industry, stakeholders argue that the sector is still viable.

Craft a solid business plan, have strong financial support, arm yourself with expert advice, and you're good to go, they say.

"The small hotels and villas are an essential part of the tourism product, as they add to the diversity of tourism in Jamaica," Camille Needham, executive director at the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, told The Gleaner during an interview.

"Small properties are located near small beaches, and in the country, and are what some tourists are looking for. Jamaica would be less attractive without these small hotels and villas."

Anna-Lisa Lemonious, reservationist at the Jamaica Association of Villas and Apartments, told The Gleaner that drafting a strategy for sourcing capital was Priority No. 1. Lemonious said prospective investors should have a draft plan which would give clues about the estimated cost and labour involved to get operations up and running.

Lemonious said choosing an ideal location was also important. Among location indices are accessibility to airports, towns, beaches and other attractions. Investors should also let their plans be guided by property size, the type/s of guests targeted, and the scale and variety of amenities being offered. Safety concerns - whether fire, health and security - are points of focus as well.

Shellena Reynolds, product quality officer at the Tourism Product Development Company, said there are a number of prerequisites that an entity must meet to establish a hotel/resort or villa/guest house.

Reynolds said these entities must be licensed with the Jamaica Tourist Board, through the Licensing Department at the Tourism Product Development Company. Once all the requirements are in place and approved, the licence will be awarded. Statutory requirements must also be adhered to.

sonia.mitchell@gleanerjm.com

Prerequisites to obtain the licence:

Entity must have 10 or more rooms to be qualified as a hotel. Those with fewer than 10 rooms are considered non-hotels.

Entity must have a food and beverage facility (restaurant) on location to be considered a hotel.

Application for licence to be submitted to the Tourism Product Development Company.

Public liability insurance.

List of directors/managers.

Certificate of incorporation.

Valid food handler's permits.

Public health certificate.

Tax registration number.

Approval from local planning authority.

Fire certificate.

24-hour registered security arrangements.

Security approval from the tourism liaison police.

Beach licence (where applicable).

Work permit (where applicable).

Swimming pool permit (where applicable).

Requirements for small hotel/villa accommodations

Public liability insurance.

Public health certificate.

Food handler's permits (where applicable).

Fire extinguisher.

First aid/doctor on call.

Adequate security (for example, proper lighting, grilled windows/doors, security personnel).

Uniformed staff.

Hot water.

Garbage cans with covers.

BEDROOMS

Ensure that mattresses are firm with mattress pads.

Use white linen, preferably.

Ensure drapes are always properly hung.

Use bedside and bathroom mats which can be washed easily.

Try to make bedspreads and drapes match or coordinate.

Ceiling fans or air conditioning.

Double lock (security locks) on doors.

Adequate lighting, especially lamps and bright bulbs for reading.

BATHROOMS

Ensure that they are properly cleaned.

Shower curtains washed regularly.

Tub mats or strips to prevent slips.

Hot water.

Waste-paper basket

Adequate soaps, toilet paper.

Ironing board and iron available.

Clothes line for hanging light clothes.