Tourism Players Satisfied Visitors Still Coming to St. James

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says industry players are satisfied that visitors are still coming to St. James, despite the declaration of a State of Public Emergency in the parish.

Mr. Bartlett, who is expected to meet today (January 23) with travel agents and destination bookers as it relates to future bookings for the country, said preliminary results are not showing any negative fallout in arrivals.

“We haven’t seen any negative tendencies. What we have had is an increase (in visitors) and some skittishness in some areas, as is expected. The truth is, all the attractions are open and have visitors… they’re on the beaches and in their hotels,” he noted.

The Minister was speaking with JIS News following the launch of Reggae Month at Ribbiz Ultra Lounge in Kingston, on Monday (January 22).

Mr. Bartlett also appealed to the media and other relevant stakeholders to be careful with the narrative being disseminated with regards to the security operation.

“This is a different type of operation. This is all about cauterising and enabling a city (Montego Bay) to be restored, and the effect of that is to make the destination safer, to make the experience more seamless… that’s what we are about – making Jamaica safer and more secure,” the Minister said.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, declared a State of Public Emergency in the parish on January 18.

The Constitution provides that a period of public emergency can be declared by proclamation if the Governor-General is satisfied that action has been taken, or is immediately threatened by any person or body of persons, of such a nature and on so extensive a scale as likely to endanger public safety.