JAMPRO optimistic about timeshare sector

Claudia Gardner, Hospitality Jamaica Writer

FILE JAMPRO's Carol Straw

MANAGER OF investment at Jamaica Promotions (JAMPRO) Carol Straw, is optimistic that Jamaica will be able to fully capitalise on the timeshare sector of the global tourism industry.

Speaking in an interview with Hospitality Jamaica at the Seventh Annual Timeshare Resort and Investment Conference in Orlando, Florida, last Tuesday, Ms. Straw said that JAMPRO would be "looking closely at timeshare as it seems to be a rapid-growth industry."

"Certainly, based on what I have heard so far, at the timeshare conference, it seems to be an area that can do very well in Jamaica," she said. "At JAMPRO we have had a lot of interest from persons who are interested in condo developments, and exclusive and upscale developments and based on that there are some facets of that which could well benefit from timeshare.

GOV'T LOOKING AT LEGISLATION

"The Government of Jamaica is currently looking at the legislation we have on the books now as it affects timeshare, and based on the feedback I have from certain individuals here (in Orlando), once we get the legislation sorted out to address timeshare to its full capability, and also address consumer protection where that is concerned within the specific demands or requests of timeshare arrangements, we could see a lot of interests coming into Jamaica in that area.

As a matter of fact, some feel that Jamaica is poised and ripe for more investments in timeshare, and I tend to agree," she said.

Ms. Straw told Hospitality Jamaica that JAMPRO was interested in inviting investments that will help to diversify the tourism industry, and so decided to consider timeshare. She said "notable lawyers" had recommended that the Government of Jamaica conduct case studies of the Bahamas and Aruba, where many timeshare resorts now exist, and that the Ministry of Tourism has now undertaken the studies.

"One of our objectives is to learn all we can about the workings of the (timeshare) industry and see how we can share that knowledge with our local investors as well as present opportunities for overseas investors, and I am sure there will be synergies that everybody will be able to benefit from," she said.

"Jamaica has a diversity of products in a very beautiful setting and I think that the addition of timeshare will enhance the product offerings," Ms Straw said. "If it is promoted and developed, in the way that the organisers here suggest, then
certainly it is an industry that can only grow and we will benefit in terms of repeat business in terms of our profile out there and getting more brands to look at Jamaica as a source of investment.

From a local perspective, I would also encourage local businessmen to look at the feasibility of developing their own brands. I think we are an ingenious people and have the wherewithal to come up with our own brands," she added.

"It is only going to grow. It is there for the taking and there seem to be many creative ways in which this can be done. I look forward to working with the powers that be to help to develop this in a real way in Jamaica."