It began operations in 1986 with a batch of 80 trainees, as the Runaway Bay HEART Academy, mainly aimed at satisfying the demand for skilled workers in the hospitality industry. The training programmes at that time consisted of six months of theoretical training and six months of practical experience in a hotel environment, where trainees performed customer service-based duties. In...

Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, says that as of Sunday, March 2, advertisements will be placed in the two major newspapers, which will indicate where and when registration will begin for jet ski operators. The ads will also specify the documents that the operators will need to take with them to facilitate registration. The Minister, who was...

The Government is to spend approximately $44 million to upgrade the Harbour Street Craft Market in Montego Bay, St. James. Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, told journalists at the Jamaica House Press Briefing on February 26, that Cabinet has approved the award of contract to Marshall Construction Company to undertake repairs to the market. “Under this contract, repairs...

The Government has banned the importation of all jet skis for commercial or private use for a further six months, until October 15, 2014. This was disclosed by Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, during a sitting of the House of Representatives on February 18. Following two accidents involving jet skis on August 17 and 21, 2013, Cabinet...

Tourism stakeholders are being urged to pay keen attention to the issue of climate change in order to mitigate the impacts on the industry, which is a key growth sector. Director of Environmental Management and Conservation at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Anthony McKenzie, said that with many properties and tourism-related activities located along the coastline, the sector...

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) will be revising its overseas advertising campaign, following Cabinet’s approval of US$2.5 million for the initiative. Making the disclosure at Wednesday’s (February 12) Jamaica House press briefing, Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, said the money will be provided through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), adding that “it is not new...

The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) is continuing its thrust to streamline the craft industry, transforming it into a lucrative and viable sector. Speaking at a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’, Chairman of the TPDCo, Maxine Henry-Wilson, pointed out that the agency is undertaking various initiatives to develop and strengthen the sector, including repairs at some of the craft markets and...