Claudia Gardner, Hospitality Jamaica Writer

From left, Maro Dixon and David Wilson of Blue Sky Bookings

Six years ago while still a budding teenager, David Wilson attempted to tap into the tourism industry by designing and selling electronic brochures - but without much success.

Today, at 25, the very persistent entrepreneur is a full-fledged businessman, and the driving force behind what has now become his very successful Kingston-based multi-media company, Digital Media Arts.

Along with business partner, 30-year-old Maro Dixon, Mr. Wilson has set out on a mission to drive new media into Jamaica's tourism sector.

Among the men's innovations is Carib Bookings, a programme that allows Internet users to book hotel rooms online. "This innovation will allow small hotels and villa owners in Jamaica, to capitalise on the fast-growing online booking market," said Mr. Dixon, the company's marketing officer.

According to research, the innovative online booking engines increase by 25 per cent annually. "Jamaica's visitors are from all over the world and the best medium to reach them is by the Internet," he explained, noting that with Carib Bookings, it is as simple as creating an email account.

"Once we create that user-name for you, you can access it from anywhere in the world once someone has made a reservation on your site, to when money has been paid over."

Explaining the logistics, he said when a guest logs into the system, specify dates, which room he/she wants, the hotelier can see if the rooms are available and send back instructions.

targeted the small hotel sector

The men have targeted the small hotel sector by designing a tourism-based website, Blue Sky Holidays Jamaica (www.bshjamaica.com). Launched in October last year, they describe it as a bridge between the visitors and the hotels. The site currently host 17 hotels at no cost, including Wexford Court, Crane Ridge Resort, Altamont Court, Altamont West, For Real Beach Resort and Banana Gardens.

The website features hotels, tours, attractions and the island's restaurants. These are listed at no charge after contact is made with the operators. It features virtual tours, underwater photography, wide-angle photography and delivers audio, stream video, interactive maps, review on the hotels and a chat room.

"Many of the hoteliers are unknowingly not maximising on their websites," Mr. Wilson cautioned. "They are not using the technology which is available. For example, the virtual tour has been around for a while and nobody is using it."

Mr. Dixon holds a bachelor's degree in computer studies and management from the University of Technology (UTech), while Mr. Wilson credits the Excelsior Community College for the skills he possesses.

"We are targeting the small hotels which are often overlooked. Owing to the fact that we are website designers, we are always current. We know the new trends and we can implement them on our websites. So ours will always be a step above," boasted Mr. Wilson.