The Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment is taking proactive steps in preparing players in the hospitality trade for any effects from the Chikungunya virus, which has been affecting sections of the country. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, told JIS News that the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has been supporting a number of initiatives, being undertaken by the Ministry of...

Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Dr. the Hon. Wykeham McNeill, is reporting growth in visitor arrivals from all source markets for the first eight months of the year, which, he says, has put the island’s tourism industry in a “very good place.” Significant, he said, is a 13 per cent increase in arrivals from the United Kingdom (UK). “We had some...

More than $20 million has been spent by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to support coastline clean-up activities since 2008. This was disclosed by Senior Project Administrative Officer at the TEF, Michelle Clayton-Brown, at a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’. Mrs. Clayton-Brown said that since 2008, the TEF has been the major sponsor of the Coastal Clean-up Day activities, being co-ordinated...

Over eighty local suppliers of goods and services, including manufacturers, will participate in the upcoming Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) 2014 trade show, through the coordinated efforts of the Tourism Linkages Hub and other partner entities. The initiative is in keeping with ongoing efforts to improve the linkages between tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and other sectors of the economy. The Linkages Hub...

Iberostar Grand Hotel, at Rose Hall, St. James, has been awarded the best all-inclusive hotel by Apple Vacations. The announcement was made during Apple Vacations’ black-tie Crystal Apple Awards gala, held at the Art Institute of Chicago on September 8. This is the second consecutive year that the hotel is receiving the coveted award. Apple Vacations President, Jeff Mullen, made...

The Craft Council of Jamaica, comprising local craft traders, producers and other stakeholders, has been established, as the Government continues its work to facilitate sustainable development of the industry. The group had its inaugural meeting at the New Kingston offices of the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, on September 9. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, said the meeting was...

Hundreds of overseas buyers and local suppliers in the tourism sector are expected to meet at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James from September 21 to 23 for the 24th staging of Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX). The annual event, put on by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), offers the ideal forum...