Small hoteliers bathing in Reggae Sumfest business

Noel Thompson, Hospitality Writer

THE WEEK of July 16-22, which will see Montego Bay buzzing with activities surrounding the staging of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, is being recorded as a very busy week for small hoteliers.

Managing director of Dunn's Hide-Away Resort, Howard Dunn said, "My most hectic periods are normally between Easter and August. We are always fully booked during Reggae Sumfest and the Jazz Festival because of our location. We are expecting to have good business even immediately after Sumfest. Our booking for August is up by 100 per cent."

Proprietor of the Palm View Guest House, Clayton Morgan said he was being faced with one problem: "I have 18 rooms, but I wish I had 100 rooms to rent. This has always been the trend every year. We have been fully booked for the past two months. We are overbooked for Reggae Sunsplash, as well, even though it is being held in St. Ann.

Caribic House's managing director, Gordon Townsend said his 17-room hotel was totally sold out. "People always book a year in advance whenever they are leaving the last day after Reggae Sumfest," he said.

Karen Shakes, sales co-ordinator at El Greco Resorts said, "We are looking good for the week of Reggae Sumfest, but after that week we expect to see a dwindle for a few days. But it will pick up soon after."