Tourism Revival for Portland

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says Port Antonio is set to undergo a revival reminiscent of the days when the resort town was considered the cradle of tourism and a prime getaway for celebrities.

He said there are plans to collaborate with the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) to build a state-of-the-art health and wellness facility in Port Antonio.

“I have been speaking a lot about wellness tourism, and Port Antonio is probably the one area that is conducive for such a market,” said portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

“This is a market that is tailor-made for the visitors who want to come and spend some quality time on the island in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, and this is where Port Antonio, I believe, will win big time,” he added.

Minister Bartlett was speaking in an interview with JIS News at the inaugural Island Routes Caribbean Adventures Certified Partner Conference 2016 at the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, St. Ann, on September 14.

He further cited plans to introduce a “coffee experience” in the Buff Bay valley area.

“We are going to be going there in October…we are going to be visiting and bringing the partners together,” he informed.

“We are going to capitalise on the fact that our coffee is the best in the world. We are also exploring the possibility of having an annual international coffee festival in addition to other year-round activities centred around the coffee experience,” he said.

Mr. Bartlett said there are also plans to more effectively utilise the Errol Flynn Marina in order to attract more luxury yachts and host regattas.

“The annual marlin tournament in Port Antonio was once a very prestigious event with a lot of history and tradition. This is something we have to revitalise and restore to its glory days. We are indeed very optimistic about Port Antonio’s future,” he told JIS News.

He informed that plans under way for the lengthening of the runway at the Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel, St. Mary, will make connectivity into Port Antonio easier.

“The accessibility into Port Antonio has always been one of the problems and that is something we are dealing with,” Mr. Bartlett said.

“Once this is all figured out, then I can tell you that the future for Port Antonio is very bright indeed.”