TPDCO Transforming Resort Areas and Attractions

The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) is spearheading several projects geared towards the transformation and redevelopment of some of the island’s resort areas and attractions.

Highlighting the scope of work at a JIS Think Tank on July 28, Executive Director of the TPDCo, Dennis Hickey, said that the projects will enhance the country’s tourism product and visitor experience.

The resort town of Ocho Rios is now undergoing major transformation through the phased implementation of an enhancement project, which includes the full upgrading of the cruise ship terminal and the parking area and major reconstruction of the Turtle River Road, between the pier and Main Street.

“If you go into Ocho Rios, you will see where the pier road leading from the Port is now being transformed into a major promenade, which allows pedestrian traffic in the best atmosphere you can imagine,” Mr. Hickey said, adding that the first phase has been completed and the other phases now underway.

Over in Falmouth, the TPDCo is actively working with the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the Port Authority to undertake major work at the port including infrastructure and façade development, and training.

“We want to expose and help the residents to identify potential business opportunities that they can capitalize on…so we will work with them by assessing their business plans,” the Executive Director informed.

“We have a suite of projects planned for Negril including the development of the Norman Manley Beach Park because we believe that the major areas where people live need that kind of recreational green space,” Mr. Hickey explained, noting that aspects of the project have already been tendered.

Another major project in Negril is the total transformation of the community centre into a cultural centre. The facility will house the TPDCo offices as well as other government agencies.

Other transformational work will be done at the craft market, the fishing village and along the Savanna-la-mar to Negril roadway.

“We will work at creating an elegant corridor, which involves beautification, landscaping, as well as some organized system to ensure the commercial activity along that corridor is channeled into a structured and orderly system,” Mr. Hickey further highlighted.

Attractions such as the Milk River Bath in Clarendon; Bath Fountain in St. Thomas and Devon House in Kingston will also undergo transformational work.