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Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, says that although the increase in Britain’s Air Passenger Duty (APD) is still having a negative impact on travel to the Caribbean, Jamaica has managed to “turn the corner.” Noting that it is “early days yet,” Dr. McNeill explained that a number of activities have boosted Jamaica’s profile in the United...

The Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment is proposing the introduction of parish extension committees to hear and grant extensions on entertainment permits. The Ministry is working on amendments to the Noise Abatement Act to contain the provision. The process involves collaboration with the Ministries of National Security, Local Government and Community Development, and Youth and Culture. In his contribution to...

Having successfully reduced the airport processing time for persons flying out of the island, the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment is currently moving to do the same for travellers coming into the country. Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, says a special Committee, which spearheaded efforts to reduce the processing time, particularly at the Sangster International Airport, in...

The Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment is moving to provide protection for one of the island’s foremost indigenous music forms, reggae. State Minister, Hon. Damion Crawford, said the Ministry is working with the Ministries of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Youth and Culture, and the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), in preparing a Cabinet submission towards that objective. Mr. Crawford, who...

Hotels with up to 200 rooms are set to benefit from a $50 million Small and Medium Hotel Energy Efficiency Programme, to be implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment. The initiative is expected to lower energy cost for these properties, so as to enhance their competitiveness. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, who made the announcement during his...

The Government is exploring the option of upgrading existing performing arts venues to provide more space to accommodate audiences as well as technical equipment and personnel. State Minister for Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Damion Crawford, made the disclosure on Tuesday, July 2, during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives. He said that while it...

Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, says the prospects are bright for stopover visitor arrivals to Jamaica for the 2013 summer tourist season. This, he says, is based on market research conducted as well as airlift and forward bookings information available. “We have already had growth in stopover arrivals in May of 2.3 per cent and June of...

Ground is scheduled to be broken on July 11, for the construction of anew city/business hotel in Kingston. This was disclosed by Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on July 2. The Minister informed that the Courtyard Marriott, which is being developed by a...

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is slated to unveil a new advertising and promotional campaign in October, which is designed to strengthen Jamaica’s position as a premier tourism destination, and cement its place ahead of its competitors. Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, who made the disclosure during his 2013/14 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House on July...

Several community-based projects within the tourist industry are to be implemented this year, as the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment seeks to finalise the Community Tourism Policy. Making the disclosure during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, July 2, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, said the Ministry is...

As part of the Government’s efforts to deepen the linkages between the tourism industry and the rest of the economy, an online tool has been developed for use by suppliers and buyers. Making the announcement during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, July 2, portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, said the...

Jamaica welcomed, for the first time, the arrival of Air Canada Rouge flight from Toronto, with 130 passengers on board, at the Norman Manley International Airport, on Monday, July 1. Kingston was selected as the lead destination for this new airline from Air Canada, which will offer daily flights into Kingston from Monday to Friday. Welcoming the airline, Minister of...