Jamaica bounces back after Hurricane Beryl
Jamaica is bouncing back, welcoming 55,000 visitors since it reopened its ports following the passing of Hurricane Beryl.
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett said that: “On July 2nd and 3rd, we had no tourists arriving in Jamaica. But on the Fourth of July, we started receiving visitors again. In just seven days [July 4-10], we’ve brought in a total of 55,000 visitors.”
Minister Bartlett made the announcement at the opening of the 10th staging of the Christmas in July trade show, held at the National Arena on July 11 to July 12, 2024.
Bartlett observed: “This is what resilience looks like. We can assure the world that 80% of our assets are intact, and we are ready to welcome you. Our visitors returned because they had confidence in our promises, knowing the integrity behind them.”
He also highlighted Jamaica’s role as a global leader in tourism resilience, pointing out that: “Seven years ago, we initiated discussions on resilience here in Jamaica. Six years ago, I established the first Global Resilience and Crisis Management Centre at the University of the West Indies. Since then, we’ve established six more centres in different countries worldwide. Next week, I’ll be heading to Brazil to establish another, with more to follow.”
Minister Bartlett also used the opportunity to commend the Tourism Enhancement Fund, lead organizers of the Christmas in July initiative, for the significant economic impact of the event, noting that: “Christmas in July provides a marketplace for showcasing products, bringing together buyers and sellers. Today, over 205 exhibitors are present.”
The event has seen substantial growth, from 110 successful applicants in 2018 to 180 last year.
Minister Bartlett said that: “In 2018, we saw earnings of over $50 million from this event. In 2019, despite challenges, we still achieved over $30 million. Even in 2020, amidst a global pandemic, our resilient artisans managed to generate $4.83 million in just one month after the trade show. Last year, from the 20% of participants who responded to our post-event survey, we recorded $20.3 million in earnings.”
Princess Resorts set for September opening
In other news, the Minister is anticipating the September opening of the Princess Grand and Princess Senses The Mangrove, the first phase of a planned 2,036-room hotel development in Green Island, Hanover.
Upon completion of the second phase, this project will become one of Jamaica’s largest resorts, significantly boosting the island’s tourism offerings.
The Minister and other senior tourism officials received a progress update on construction and preparations for the 1,005-room resort and casino during a property tour on July 12. The tour was guided by Robert Cabrera Plana, owner of Princess Hotels and Resorts, and Managing Director Enrico Pezzoli.
Said Minister Bartlett: “I am excited to welcome Princess Resorts to Jamaica’s product offering. This significant investment will create substantial employment opportunities and further solidify Jamaica’s position as a premier tourist destination.”
Construction is proceeding on schedule, with Cabrera confirming a September opening.
Cabrera said: “A hundred per cent, we will open in September.”
The resort is expected to create significant employment opportunities, with an initial workforce of 1,200 people growing to a peak of 1,500 employees. Minister Bartlett expressed particular satisfaction with the employment opportunities generated by the project, especially during the construction phase.
Among the resort’s features will be six speciality restaurants, one featuring an all-Jamaican menu.
IN THE PHOTOS
TOP
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (second right), Minister of Industry, Investment, & Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill (right), and Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Miss Valerie Veira, admire a painting by Shawn ‘Lady Ash’ Ashman (left) from The Art of Motivation Inc. during the 10th annual Christmas in July trade show, organized by the Ministry of Tourism and key partners, at the National Arena on July 11 and 12.
MIDDLE
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (centre front), is joined by Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith (left of him) as he receives a progress update on the construction of Princess Jamaica Grand from owner Robert Cabrera Plana (right front) during a site tour on Friday, July 12, 2024. Other members of the touring party are visible in the background.
