Kingston, Jamaica: May 7, 2015 – A vibrant showcase of Jamaican dance, ranging from traditional folk forms to contemporary dancehall, will be on display when the fourth staging of ‘Arts in the Park’ gets underway at 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Hope Botanical Gardens in Kingston.

The ‘Arts in the Park’- Dance Edition is being hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment in association with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and the Edna Manley  College of the Visual and Performing Arts. It forms part of an ongoing effort by the Ministry to develop the local entertainment industry and give artistes international exposure.

The event will be free to the public and will feature individuals and dance companies.  In addition to a great afternoon of dance, the family event will also include exhibits by local manufacturers and a food court. 

One of the main objectives of ‘Arts in the Park’ is to provide business opportunities for local creative practitioners to network with international booking agents and talent scouts. To this end noted international intermediaries have been invited to network with the dancers, including Ms. Virginie Mecene, Artistic Director, Graham 2 and Director Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance; Mr. Troy Powell, Artistic Director, Ailey II; Ms. Fatima Wilson, Head of Commercial & Dance, Bloc NYC; Dr. Barry Burch of Dance Africa and Tanisha Scott, MTV nominated Choreographer for Beyonce, Rihanna and Sean Paul.  

A contingent of Entertainment Managers from local hotels will also be in attendance in an effort to expose them to the wealth of dance talent available to perform on the hotel circuit as well as to strengthen the linkages between Jamaica’s entertainment and hospitality sectors.

“We are very pleased to be staging a dance edition of ‘Arts in the Park’.  Jamaica has a very strong history of dance, which has been influenced by our rich history and diverse melting pot of cultures.  I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the celebration of every genre of local dance including, Modern, Hip-Hop, Dancehall and Folk,” said State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, the Hon. Damion Crawford.

Chairman of the Entertainment Advisory Board (EAB), Kingsley Cooper, said, “Arts in the Park has had three successful stagings so far and we are positive that this event will be equally successful.  We cannot over-emphasize the value of the business networking opportunities facilitated by this initiative. In addition to Sunday’s event we will be hosting a special networking session on Friday, May 15, which will bring local dancers, international booking agents, talent scouts and international media representatives together in a strategic way.”

The ‘Arts in the Park’ initiative was conceived by the EAB to increase the quality of local entertainment offerings, while providing international booking agents and talent scouts opportunities to sign local acts and experience the “best of Jamaica”.  It is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and several stakeholders from the entertainment sector and creative industries.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica: June 7, 2015: As stopover visitor arrivals continue to trend upwards, the European conglomerate, TUI Group, has been helping to drive significant growth out of the European market.

This as a new direct flight from Ireland to Jamaica will be added for Summer 2016 through Falcon Holidays and Thomson Holidays, both part of the TUI Group.

Making the announcement yesterday (June 6) at the 54^th annual general meeting of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Hon. Dr Wykeham McNeill said TUI will roll out its new charter programme from Dublin using a Thomson Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Beginning June 2016, the service will run six flights weekly with holiday packages running for two weeks, thereby adding an additional 12, 222 room nights for the destination.  

“We have TUI’s assurance that should this short programme be successful they will consider expanding into the following summer,” Minister McNeill noted.

He had more good news of increased airlift out of Europe later this year. Commencing November 29, Ving, a subsidiary of Thomas Cook Nordic, will operate new service from Gothenburg, Sweden via Oslo Norway, to Montego Bay.  The fortnightly service will bring 2,907 passengers who will also be staying for 14 nights, thereby accounting for 20,349 room nights.

Also, commencing mid-December the fortnightly service which TUI Sweden operated from Stockholm to Montego Bay last winter will be doubled to weekly flights for the 2015/16 winter season. With capacity being doubled, passengers from Stockholm, Cophenhagen and Helsinki are expected to increase from 5,510 last winter to 8,671.

Visitors booking this service will also vacation for two weeks, resulting in an extra 22,127 room nights.

It was also outlined that Thomson UK has added a sixth weekly flight from the United Kingdom (UK): a third weekly operation from London Gatwick Airport. This will bring 15,132 additional passengers to Jamaica, and with an average stay of 12 nights, an estimated 90,000 room nights.

The renewed thrust in Europe is bolstered by the fact that arrivals from January to April 2015 out of that market went up by 9.1 percent over the corresponding period last year, with a total of 95,177 stopover visitors gracing Jamaica’s shores. Concurrently, the UK market registered a 27.5 percent increase, from 48,363 in 2014 to 61,670 UK visitors this year.

The Minister pointed to the fact that "these visitors stay for longer periods in small and medium sized properties, thereby helping to boost the occupancy levels of these properties."

Overall, he told the hoteliers and their purveyors that the sector continues to perform well, even amid the challenges of a harsh global environment. “We are building on the successes of 2014, which was another record year for stopover arrivals as we welcomed over 2 million visitors for the second consecutive year. Total arrivals for the last Winter Tourist Season stood at over 5 percent and we expect this positive trend to continue,” Minister McNeill noted.

Kingston, Jamaica: May 27, 2015 – The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has expended billions of dollars on tourism projects since it began operations ten years ago on May 1, 2005, in fulfilling its mandate of promoting growth and development in the tourism sector.

The Tourism Enhancement Act allows for a Tourism Enhancement Fee of US$20.00 to be charged to incoming airline passengers and US$2.00 to be charged to cruise passengers. The monies collected are paid into a dedicated Tourism Enhancement Fund.

“As our arrival figures have grown so too has the amount available for the operation of the TEF,” said Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, “allowing us to do more and more meaningful and costly projects which would not have been possible without the Fund. The tenth anniversary is a significant landmark for one of the most game-changing developments in our industry. The management and staff of the Fund are to be heartily congratulated for their record of achievement in fulfilling TEF’s mandate.”

Chairman of the Board of Directors of TEF since 2012, Senator Noel Sloley, expressed his satisfaction with the transformational projects carried out by TEF.  In the area of national heritage projects he cited the Montego Bay Cultural Centre in Sam Sharpe Square with its  National museum of Jamaica West and auditorium for live performances, carried out at a cost of J$62.5. Another major heritage project was the refurbishing of the birthplace of the Rt. Excellent Norman Manley and establishment of the Roxborough Museum at a cost of J$42.6 million.

He also cited  projects such as the Ocho Rios Upgrading Project done at a cost of J$345 million; the  J$270 million streetscape project now underway in Falmouth, which will see upgrades of roads, drains and facades in the town; and the planned transformation of the town of Negril and its town centre.

“These are just a few of the projects which directly benefit Jamaicans while fulfilling TEF’s primary mandate to carry out recommendations emanating from the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development, 2002,” Senator Sloley stated. “It could not have come at a better time as we are able to upgrade our resort areas and have repeatedly heard return visitors express pleasure at seeing the visible improvements to our product.”

Executive Director of TEF since 2012, Clyde Harrison said that the work of TEF is challenging but most fulfilling as the organization has been able to see  not only completion of a number of  major projects  but also smaller ones.

He cited some other TEF projects, including funding for development and better management of environmental resources in Jamaica, enhancing the country’s overall tourist experience, and providing for the sustainable development of the tourism sector.

“Among these projects are the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust and the Clean Coasts Project, which is funded by TEF in partnership with the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET). This is making a big difference and its current “Nuh Dutty Up” Jamaica campaign is another worthwhile effort as we seek to educate the public as to the consequences of their actions in degrading the environment,” Mr. Harrison said.

“Some of the smaller projects," he said, “make a real difference to people in small communities. An example is our support for the Centres of Excellence Programme for high schools in the resort areas. TEF provides support to these schools by contributing equipment for programmes that train students in skills that are very marketable in the tourism sector. They leave these programmes ready to work and support themselves and contribute to the economy of their communities. What is equally satisfying,” he continued “is how their achievements in these programmes builds their self-esteem. This is a priceless gift.”

Another very important aspect of TEF’s work is their support for security.  In the last year or so, TEF has provided funding to the JCF for the repair and purchase of motor vehicles at a cost of J$225 million; and engines to make functional marine vessels for the marine police at a cost of J$15.5 million.

Two very popular TEF projects are the Public Beach Upgrade Programme at a cost of J$250 million and the National Rest Stop Programme at a cost of J$69 million. These programmes are underway in parishes across the island. The beaches programme is providing state of the art facilities and free access to public beaches.  TEF’s upgrading of Rest Stops across the length and breadth of the island is making road travel a much more pleasant experience for Jamaicans and visitors alike. Mr. Harrison also paid tribute to the many organizations and entities which work along with TEF in carrying out the projects they Fund, including sister agency the Tourism Product Development Agency (TPDCO), National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the Urban Development Corporation and the National Works Agency, among many others.

Kingston, Jamaica, May 30, 2015: Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, has called on countries with strong tourism earnings to practise responsible tourism by developing critical national awareness of the ways in which tourism can improve the quality of life and welfare of their citizens. Minister McNeill was giving the Chairman’s address at the opening ceremony of the 100^th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Executive Council in Rovinj, Croatia, earlier this week.

“Over the past few years, tourism has proven to be a strong and resilient economic activity and a significant contributor to the global recovery. International tourist arrivals reported by destinations around the world reached 1,138 million in 2014, a 4.7% increase over the previous year,” the Minister stated as he addressed some 200 delegates attending the Executive Council session.

The Minister further stated that as the world’s largest industry, tourism reportedly provides a job for one in nine workers worldwide.

“In many of our member nations it employs a large percentage of our labour force. We are cognizant of the need for even greater emphasis on sustainability.

“This is essential to ensure long-term economic gains that provide benefits to all socioeconomic groups and across other sectors through strong promotion of linkages. Equally important is collaboration with private-sector stakeholders to ensure compliance and active support of regulations and initiatives designed to preserve our natural and built environment. We must ensure that community tourism efforts emphasize meaningful involvement at the grassroots,” he added.

Jamaica was elected to chair the Executive Committee of the world body for the year 2014-2015, the first English–speaking Caribbean nation to do so.

The Minister will travel from Rovinj to London where he will hold consultations with Jamaica Tourist Board representatives and other tourism interests.

Kingston, Jamaica: May 26, 2015 – History will be created when Jamaica, represented by Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, chairs the 100^th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), being held in Rovinj, Croatia, from May 27-29, 2015.   Minister McNeill left the island on Monday, May 25.

Jamaica was elected Chairman the UNWTO Executive Council for the year 2014-2015, a first for an English-speaking Caribbean country.

Some 200 participants from UNWTO Members States as well as representatives of the UNWTO Associate and Affiliate Members are expected to attend the Session.  Among the issues to be addressed at the high-level meeting are strategies to mainstream tourism in the global agenda, an assessment of the performance of international tourism in 2014 and the outlook for 2015.

Following the UNWTO Executive Council session, Minister McNeill will travel to London, England, to meet with representatives of the Jamaica Tourist Board as well as other strategic tourism partners.

Minister McNeill is being accompanied to Croatia by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Jennifer Griffith. 

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: May 24, 2015 – As part of Jamaica’s continued push to have the Blue and John Crow Mountains designated as a World Heritage Site, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has provided over $ 13 million to date to support the venture. This is in-keeping with TEF’s primary mandate to enhance the tourism product including developing and safeguarding heritage sites and points of interest. The project is being executed under a partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment and its agencies, and the Ministry of Youth and Culture.

Included in the $ 13 million allocated by TEF, is the latest tranche of over $ 4.6 million, which was approved recently to facilitate a trip by a Jamaican contingent to Bonn, Germany where they will defend Jamaica’s nomination at the 39^th session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting, which runs from June 28 – July 8, 2015.

Success of the application will see the Blue and John Crow Mountains listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a place of special cultural of physical significance (or World Heritage Site).

The list is maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. It names, catalogues and most importantly conserves sites which are deemed to be of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity. In some instances listed sites can also obtain funds from the World Heritage Fund.

In January 2014, the TEF provided some $ 3. 4 million to facilitate the finalization of the dossier to support the nomination of the Blue and John Crow Mountains for addition to the list. In September 2014, another $5.3 million was granted to facilitate pre-evaluation visits to several Maroon sites and evaluation of the area by international advisory bodies.

In expressing pleasure at the progress of the venture Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill said “this is a very important project which is aimed at preserving one of the most scenic and environmentally diverse areas in Jamaica. The Blue and John Crow Mountains are a key component of our beautiful landscape, and no doubt will attract the growing number of travellers with a special interest in culture.”

Executive Director of the TEF, Mr. Clyde Harrison, underscored that the preservation and enhancement of heritage sites remains a key focus of the TEF.  “The TEF remains committed to supporting this venture, which will ultimately benefit every Jamaican by helping to safeguard this important area. As we mark our 10^th anniversary we will continue to focus on these types of programmes, that will ensure the preservation of our heritage sites for generations to come,” he said.

Sites inscribed on the World Heritage List also benefit from the expansion and implementation of a comprehensive management plan which sets out adequate monitoring mechanisms and preservation measures. To facilitate this, experts often provide technical training for the local site management team.

Kingston, Jamaica: May 20, 2015 – Hundreds of patrons who flocked to Hope Gardens last Sunday (May 17) were treated to a spectacular and unforgettable showcase of Jamaican Dance by some 35 dance groups and individuals  at the  fourth staging of ‘Arts in the Park’.

Performances ranged from traditional folk forms like Kumina and Junkanoo to contemporary Dancehall and Street Dance by schools and institutions such as Portmore Missionary, Stella Maris and Ardenne High. Several dance troupes also displayed their talent such as the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), Dance Theatre Xaymaca and L’Acadco Dance Force with solo performances by Raddy Rich and Lindsay Lodenquai.

The ‘Arts in the Park’- Dance Edition was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment in association with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and the Edna Manley  College of the Visual and Performing Arts. It forms part of an ongoing effort by the Ministry to develop the local entertainment industry by providing opportunities for artistes in various creative sectors to further develop their career and gain international exposure.

In lauding the stellar lineup of dancers, State Minister for Tourism and Entertainment, the Hon. Damion Crawford, said, “the dancers delivered some excellent performances and the large turnout for Arts in the Park - Dance Edition is proof of the appreciation of the exceptional dance talent that we have in Jamaica.” He added that “it was truly a celebration of dance which showcased various aspects of our culture in a very entertaining way.”

Minister Crawford said he was pleased too with the reaction of the international talent scouts who were in Jamaica to network with the dancers, give valuable advice and watch their performances. These included Ms. Virginie Mecene, Artistic Director, Graham 2 and Director Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance; Mr. Troy Powell, Artistic Director, Ailey II; Ms. Fatima Wilson, Head of Commercial & Dance, Bloc NYC; Dr. Barry Burch of the African American Dance Ensemble and Tanisha Scott, MTV nominated Choreographer for, among others, Beyonce, Rihanna and Sean Paul. 

Chairman of the Entertainment Advisory Board (EAB), Kingsley Cooper, said, “we cannot over-emphasize the value of the business networking opportunities facilitated by Arts in the Park. Particularly the Master Classes which were held before the show to allow the talent scouts to interact directly with local dancers and see first-hand Jamaica’s considerable talent.”

He outlined that “the international talent scouts were so impressed with the tremendous talent of our performers that some have given commitments to provide several scholarships and other overseas opportunities to local dancers.”

The ‘Arts in the Park’ initiative was conceived by the Ministry’s Entertainment Advisory Board to increase the quality of local entertainment offerings, while providing international booking agents and talent scouts opportunities to sign local acts and experience the “best of Jamaica”.  It is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and several stakeholders from the entertainment sector and creative industries.

Kingston, Jamaica – May 18, 2015: Tourism Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, today (May 18) commended the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) on spearheading a campaign in major international markets in partnership with the local accommodations and attractions sectors. The campaign is to drive continued increase in arrivals during the Fall Season.

“The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) continues to be a strong partner and it is most heartening to see the attractions sector join with us in this new initiative.

“We continue to work to increase visitor arrivals in the sector with all its spinoff benefits.  It is also heartening to acknowledge another positive development in the sector which has seen crimes against visitors continuing to trend downwards over the past three years.

“The Ministry is also engaged in an awareness campaign to educate all Jamaicans on the benefits of tourism not only to residents in resort areas but to all Jamaicans,” he concluded.

The Minister was speaking prior to his departure for Haiti where he will moderate a panel discussion at the International Seminar: Multidestination Opportunities for Regional Integration, to be held in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from May 19 to 22, 2015. He departs for Haiti tomorrow (Tuesday, May 19).

While in Haiti Minister McNeill will also participate in the 58th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for the Americas being held on Thursday, May 21. Both the Commission meeting and the international seminar are being jointly organized by the Haitian Government and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The panel discussion is entitled ‘The importance of Tourism routes as part of regional cooperation agreements’. It includes panelists Cecilia Álvarez-Correa, Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Colombia; Marcela Bacigalupo, Minister of Tourism, Paraguay; Maru Acevedo, Deputy Director, Guatemala Tourism Institute (INGUAT), Guatemala; Manuel Marrero Cruz, Minister of Tourism, Cuba; and a representative from the Silk Road Programme, UNWTO.

Minister McNeill is being accompanied to Haiti by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Jennifer Griffith. He returns to the island on Friday, May 22, 2015.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, May 18, 2015:  Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, is pressing for a regional approach to growing the Caribbean tourism market.

“Our regional governments must continue to work together to strengthen our ties with meaningful cooperation as we build a strong, multi-destination industry,” said Minister McNeill ahead of going to Haiti on Tuesday (May 19) to participate in the International Seminar on Multidestination Opportunities for Regional Integration with fellow regional Ministers of Tourism, which is being jointly organized by the Haitian Government and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).  

Addressing a regional gathering of more than 600 Rotarians at the Rotary District 7020 Banquet at the Half Moon Resort Saturday night, Minister McNeill noted that he anticipated a high level of collaboration and the sharing of ideas at the Haiti consultation.  “It is crucial that we hold our own in a global industry that necessitates that we keep at the top of our game,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister McNeill continues to be upbeat on growth prospects for the local tourist industry. "Our industry has been an important part of our economy for many years. As a matter of fact, our marketing arm, the Jamaica Tourist Board, is celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year and we are proud of the work that it has done for Jamaica,” he told Rotarians as he underscored the importance of the industry to the country’s socio-economic development.

With the industry topping the two million mark in visitor stopovers in the last two consecutive years, Minister McNeill said he expects the trend to continue. “Tourism is performing well and we are seeing a resurgence of investment in the country.  Plans are well advanced for the construction of over 3000 new rooms,” he said.

Minister McNeill stressed, however, that “just bringing investments to Jamaica is not what tourism does; what makes tourism important in Jamaica is the impact that it has on the socio-economic life of every single Jamaican.” Consequently, while seeking to bring more visitors to the country, “we are also trying to increase the impact that tourism has on Jamaica,” he said.

Turning to the Rotarians, Minister McNeill welcomed their choice of Jamaica for their 41^st annual District Conference to train leaders in Rotary International District 7020.  The five-day conference ended with Saturday’s night’s banquet.  He said Jamaica was fortunate to be able to attract so many people from so many countries across the region for this prestigious event. 

Minister McNeill described the service organization as one of the world’s most respected and effective volunteer groups. As the push to grow the tourism sector continues, he underscored the need for all parties, government, private sector, NGOs and organisations such as Rotary, to be engaged, adding, “You can readily understand why the work of Rotary is so important to us.  Your high standards of community building and creative programmes support these aspects of the tourism industry. We warmly welcome the work you do in our communities across this entire region of which we are all a part and where tourism is so important.”

Kingston, Jamaica: May 17, 2015 - Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, will moderate a panel discussion at the International Seminar:  Multidestination Opportunities for Regional Integration, to be held in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from May 19 to 22, 2015.  He departs for Haiti on Tuesday, May 19.

While in Haiti Minister McNeill will also participate in the 58th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for the Americas being held on Thursday, May 21.  Both the Commission meeting and the international seminar are being jointly organized by the Haitian Government and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).  

The panel discussion is entitled ‘The importance of Tourism routes as part of regional cooperation agreements’. It includes panellists Cecilia Álvarez-Correa, Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Colombia; Marcela Bacigalupo, Minister of Tourism, Paraguay; Maru Acevedo, Deputy Director, Guatemala Tourism Institute (INGUAT), Guatemala; Manuel Marrero Cruz, Minister of Tourism, Cuba; and a representative from the Silk Road Programme, UNWTO.

Minister McNeill is being accompanied to Haiti by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Jennifer Griffith.  He returns to the island on Friday, May 22, 2015.