Big boost for tourism in Port Antonio

Thirteen vessels expected for winter season

Ross Sheil, Hospitality Jamaica Writer

A PROJECT to develop tourism in partnership with the community in Port Antonio is being hailed by the Tourism Development Company (TPDCo) as the future for developing resort towns.

TPDCo's three-year development of the town is being done in partnership with the local community at a cost of $15 million. It stems from the organisation's 10-year 'masterplan' announced in 2001 to spread visitor spending into communities, making tourism more environmentally sustainable and increase standards in customer service.

ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR A view of Port Antonio's Twin Harbours from Bonnie View hotel.

Speaking at a press conference at TPDCo's headquarters on Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston, chairman Audrey Marks said the project would make Portland, "the cradle of tourism ... the capital of attractions for the Caribbean".

What TPDCo's executive director, Michael Muirhead, called a 'dry run' was "What we are going to take into all the resort towns".

Thirteen vessels are expected during the winter tourist season with the first arriving on December 15, by which time phase one of the project will be complete.

"These tourists could be spending some $180 million in the town this season compared to last season when visitors stayed on the marina, with little else to do,"said Miss Marks, encouraged by the development work that is being planned.

But involvement of the community said Mr. Muirhead was crucial to ensure sustainability. "This gentlemen is the chairperson of the planning committee (in order) to ensure what we are talking about happens," he said introducing Portland Parish Council Secretary/Manager, Franklyn Smith.

Phase One of the development explained Mr. Smith will include the painting of the town, work to be carried out exclusively by Port Antonio residents. "It will generate short-term employment for persons ... who feel they don't have any stake in what is going on," he said. "They are going to be the first beneficiaries," he added.

The intention, he explained, is to create a sense of involvement in tourism among locals. To this end, he said, participants would wear T-shirts, thereby acting as 'walking billboards' for the development work. Locals are also being trained as tour guides for walking tours scheduled to begin in December.

The business community he added was also being challenged to participate. Fifty per cent of the painting work is to be paid for by the Port Authority, 25 per cent by local businesses, 15 per cent by the chamber of commerce and 10 per cent by the council.

Businesses will also be offered the opportunity to 'adopt a road' or 'adopt a round-about'.

Phase two of the project is to be completed in 2008 Miss Marks told Hospitality Jamaica, "marking the final transition of Port Antonio into a resort town".

Phase one is scheduled to be completed by December 2005.

Phase one: Beautification project

* The beautification of Cenotaph square.

* Painting of buildings in the commercial district.

* The upgrading of facilities at the Musgrave Market for both visitors and locals to patronise local craftspeople and fruit vendors.

* Upgrading of the facilities for rafting on the Rio Grande, as well as training and uniform provision for the raftsmen.

* Establishment of a travel halt at Boston Jerk Centre.

* A heritage tour of Folly Ruins.

* A walking tour of Titchfield Hill.

* Improvement to facilities at Boston Beach and Long Bay Beach.