Claudine Housen, Hospitality Jamaica Writer

VISITORS TO the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, will now be able to sample Jamaica's culture and splendor, the moment they disembark aircrafts, thanks to a new partnership between MBJ Airports Limited and Interspace Airport Advertising International LLC.

Dubbed the Community Showcase Programme, the project will employ state-of-the-art Interspace Revmax Technology; a computer-controlled internally illuminated display that rotates posters and Interspace Edgelite technology to highlight the richness of Jamaica's culture and beauty.

"The programme will include scenes from Jamaica and a portion of the scenes will have advertising as a concept," explained MBJ Airports Limited Vice-President of Commercial Sales, Mike Kandert. "We are looking at giving the passenger travelling through the airport a feel of Jamaica and a real sense of place."

CREATING A RELAXING, INFORMATIVE ENVIRONMENT

Interspace Project Manager, Jim Schaffer said that the project would go a long way in creating a relaxing but informative environment in the airport.

"By highlighting the businesses and attractions of Jamaica, the airport will serve as a friendly welcome for visitors as well as a medium for enhancing the community feeling of pride," he said.

"I can't imagine a better way to showcase to travellers what Montego Bay and surrounding areas have to offer by inviting visitors to stay at your property, enjoy an excursion, or entice them to plan a return trip. It's important to make them aware of the many choices, unique scenery and tourist attractions that Jamaica has to offer," he said.

Noting that work on the project commenced in December last year, Mr. Kandert said the aesthetic upgrade will take place over the next seven to ten years.

"The contract commenced on December 1st 2005 and runs for a period of ten years ­ a seven-year contract renewable for three," he added.

"Phase one of the project is the customs and immigration area. (The project) is a work in progress but as they go along they will develop new concepts."

In furtherance of its transformation project, MBJ Airports is also looking at mounting an art programme, which will run concurrently with its community showcase programme.

"The airport has also included an art programme to improve the look and feel of the airport. This is a joint effort between MBJ Airports and the Art Institute of Jamaica," Mr. Kandert stated.

Interspace Airport Advertising has won ten of the thirteen airport advertising awards over the past seven years by the Airports Council International (ACI-NA), the largest airport organisation in North America.