An Authentic Lifestyle Experience

KEEPING YOU CONNECTED TO THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019

S HOTEL OFFERS GUESTS An authentic lifestyle experience

Christopher Thomas’ Caribbean Travel Jewel and Hilton Resorts partnership with Rebel Guests expect sophisticated and Marketplace was a success Salute, a match made in heaven free connectivity Junior Suite Montego Bay’s newest resort, S Hotel, offers guests balcony view AN AUTHENTIC JAMAICAN-LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE

VERLOOKING THE famed world- restaurant franchise. famous Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego ATMOSPHERE/VIBE OBay’s newest resort, the S Hotel, threw S Hotel is poised as the ultimate its doors opened two weekends ago, bringing trendsetting hotspot in Jamaica, what could easily be tagged the revival of the putting the resort city of Montego Jimmy Cliff Boulevard (formerly the Hip Strip). Bay back on the map among interna- Obviously, a name change has not removed tional travellers. Buzzing bars, a the hip in the strip. What the name Jimmy high-spirited pool scene, Sky Deck, Cliff has brought with it is the rich culture of an international restaurant, a sp,a the Jamaican music, which can be found at the and elevated design throughout the new Usain Bolt Tracks and Records, the new property and guest rooms evoke a Coral Cliff, and the long-standing entertainment discrete urban sophistication and a complex, Margaritaville. laid-back resort lifestyle. In fact, there is no other boulevard in the tour- Room detailed with Bob Marley turntable S Hotel offers guests an authen- ism capital painted with so many iconic build- tic Jamaican lifestyle experience ings that played passage to the birth of tourism entrepreneur Chris Issa, owner of the newly interweaving local island food, in the city of Montego Bay. created Crissa Hotels. The term Crissa is a deriv- music, art, and entertainment into On Sunday, January 27, the 120-room S Hotel ative of the Jamaican patois word, ‘Kriss’, mean- every facet of the guest’s stay. Jamaica was opened officially by both Governor ing ‘excellent.’ The group includes Kingston’s DESIGN & ROOM CONCEPTS General Sir Patrick Allen and Prime Minister ever-popular Spanish Court Hotel, the Spanish Award-winning, luxury-design Andrew Holness. Court Worthington event venue in Kingston, and firm Antrobus Ramirez oversaw the The second hotel project from Jamaican Tracks & Records in Montego Bay, Usain Bolt’s interior design. Jamaican historical

2 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 A Jamaican pastime game is among the cultural items that can be found in a room at the S Hotel. and cultural design references are woven into the atmosphere, with a modern interpretation of details and finishes. Rooms feature sleek interiors with an overarching monochro- matic theme. Room categories range from The Essentials to the signature Spa Suites with oversized wicker-wrapped soaking tubs. The top category, Sky Suite, features 20-foot ceilings while the Presidential Suite features three Sky deck balcony at the S Hotel. bedrooms and a living-dining room. locally sourced products. guests to go off-property to explore features artisanal Jamaican and made-to-order sandwiches, salads, SERVICES & AMENITIES The Sky Deck, exclusive to Sky the real Jamaica. international cuisine. Verde, with and grilled specialties. The S Hotel offers the Club Suite guests, boasts a rooftop FOOD & BEVERAGE its green furnishing, features fresh The Ska Café provides all-day attention and service of a luxury location with a glass-enclosed pool Food and Beverage are fresh, locally driven buffet offerings. specialty coffee, fresh juices, property and the intimacy and with cabanas and loungers and a The Pool Bar & Grill offers and light bites. It has indoor and personalisation of a boutique hotel. bar serving modern cocktails and a local, sustainable, and most The scene-worthy main pool, lets decadent tapas menu. important, Jamaican. inventive crafted cocktails and outdoor seating and a library guests take centre stage framed S Hotel offers flexible meeting Rock Steady will be open for straight-up classics, with an all- with an international array of by white sand and dotted with and event spaces and services, breakfast, lunch, and dinner and day menu serving healthy snacks, magazines, books, and newspapers. cabanas, loungers, and a sleek providing a combination of wood deck. The Irie Baths and Spa intimate settings for corporate embraces Jamaican heritage and a meetings and training, holistic approach to wellness with unforgettable weddings, and subterranean plunge pools remi- other special events. niscent of ancient baths, featuring The concierge offers curated Natura Bissé Skincare line and tours/excursions encouraging

Ocean View Spa Suite Bath Sky Club Ocean View Spa Suite at S Hotel.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 3 St Ann Municipal Council councillors take time out to smile for the camera. From left: Robert Bryan, Grizzly’s Entertainment; Charmaine Deane, area director of marketing/communications; and Tony Reggae festival Rebel. Rebel Salute attracts THOUSANDS EWEL AND Hilton Resorts Hospitality Jamaica brings again sponsored the two-day highlights of the launch of the Jreggae festival Rebel Salute, event at Jewel Dunn’s River on the which was staged on January 18 eve of the festival, which attracted and 19 in Richmond, St Ann. thousands of visitors to Jamaica.

Jewel Dunn’s River and Hilton Rose Hall team members hang in attendance at the Rebel Salute launch.

Tony Rebel is thrilled to receive the Keys to the Jewel Resorts, St Ann and Hilton Rose Hall.

Mayor of St Ann Municipal From left: Ricardo Foreman, entertainment manager, Hilton Rose Corporation, Councillor Michael Hall, poses with St Ann Development Company’s Farrah Blake Belnavis addressing the audience Queen Ifrica and Oral Heaven, area director of sales, Jewel and Dallas Dickenson. at the launch. Resorts and Hilton Rose Hall.

4 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 Chatrani named 2019 Hotelier of the Year SUNIL CHATRANI, chief execu- year. He believes that this, as well as tive officer and executive director the group’s outstanding training and of Elegant Hotels Group, is the service programs, generates tangible Caribbean’s 2019 Hotelier of the Year. improvements in the guest experience The Guyana-born, Barbados-based at the Elegant Hotels Group properties. hotelier received the top honour at TRUE SUCCESS STORY the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism “Sunil is a true Caribbean success Association’s (CHTA) 37th annual story,” opined Frank Comito, CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace, staged CEO and director general. “His pro- in Montego Bay last week. fessional accomplishments have been Chatrani has worked in hotel outstanding, and his commitment to operations for more than 20 years staff and community development is and currently presides over Elegant’s nothing short of exemplary.” operations of seven hotels and resorts Chatrani was chairman of the Island Outpost’s Chris Blackwell (right) converses with Island Car Rentals’ Michael Campbell. in Barbados, including Crystal Cove Barbados Hotel and Tourism Hotel, Turtle Beach Resort, Waves Association from 2014 to 2016. Hotel and Spa, The House, Colony During the first part of his tenure, he Island Records founder Club Hotel, Tamarind and Treasure ensured that agreements which helped Beach Hotel. The group also includes all hotels finalise access to duty-free the acclaimed Daphne’s Restaurant on concessions were legislated. Barbados’ west coast, sister eatery to He is currently chairman of the Chris Blackwell honoured Daphne’s Restaurant in London. Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. The exceptional hotelier joined (BTMI) and the Barbados Tourism Elegant Hotels Group in 2010, and, Product Authority (BTPA). at World Travel Awards under his leadership, the group Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2019 recently signed its first management is produced by CHTA in collaboration HE MUSIC and hospitality contract in Antigua (with Hodges with co-hosts the Jamaica Hotel pioneer, Chris Blackwell, Bay Resort & Spa) as well as a sales and Tourist Association, Jamaica’s Thas been honoured at and marketing agreement with The Tourist Board and Jamaica Ministry Landings Resort and Spa in St Lucia. a star-studded gala ceremony of Tourism. It is the leading event in “It is very overwhelming. The truth in Montego Bay. The founder the Caribbean tourism industry where is, all of us in the industry work very of Island Records and Island delegates from Caribbean countries hard on a daily basis, and so many Outpost was acknowledged meet with buyers from more than 20 other hoteliers are deserving of this,” with the ‘Lifetime Achievement markets. said an elated Chatrani, who thanked Award’ at the World Travel This year’s host sponsors were the team at Elegant Hotels and his Awards (WTA) Caribbean and Appleton Estate Rum Experience, family for their support. North America Gala Chatrani’s winning dev elopmental Interval International, Jamaica Hotel Ceremony 2019. strategy builds the profitability and Tourist Association, Jamaica The red-carpet evening, which of each property with a focused Tourist Board, Jamaica’s Ministry was hosted at Sandals Montego three-step programme: Refurbish, of Tourism, JetBlue Vacations, Bay, marked the opening leg of Reposition, Reprice. This strategy MasterCard, Sandals and Scotiabank. the WTA Grand Tour 2019 – an promotes continuous investment and Platinum sponsors included SSSeven annual search for the finest travel President of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, improvement. Pillars: Marketing on Demand, and tourism organisations in the Omar Robinson (left), congratulates Go! Jamaica Travel’s In addition to day-to-day main- Adara, AMResorts, Figment Design, world. Dave Chin Tung. tenance and regular refurbishment, Marketplace Excellence, OBMI, Winners at the ceremony Chatrani also manages a central fund Sojern, STR, TravelClick, Travelzoo, included the paradise island WTA, said: “What an incredible Bahamas, was acknowledged for financing larger projects each and the United States Virgin Islands. of St Lucia, which collected evening it has been here at the with the award for Caribbean’s Hotelier the Caribbean’s Leading magnificent Sandals Montego Leading New Resort. The Honeymoon Destination award, Bay, the home of the Sandals relentless drive to innovate Sunil whilst Las Vegas fended off stiff brand, to mark the opening of our helped Sandals to lift the title of Chatrani competition to emerge as North 26th annual grandtour. We have Caribbean’s Leading (centre) America’s Leading Destination. had the privilege of recognising Hotel Brand. receives his Jamaica was named Caribbean’s the region’s leading destinations, In the aviation sector, award from Leading Beach Destination and hotels, resorts, airlines and travel Caribbean Airlines was named CHTA’s Caribbean’s Leading Tourist providers; and my congratula- Caribbean’s Leading Airline, Director Board’. tions to each of them.” whilst Sangster International General, Guests at the gala event enjoyed In the hospitality sector, Airport, Jamaica walked off as Frank entertainment from the acclaimed winners included Tobago’s Coco the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Airport’ Comito (left), queen of British soul, Beverley Reef Resort & Spa (‘Caribbean’s and Air Canada was voted North and CHTA Knight, and the Grammy- Leading Hotel), Marriott Hotels President nominated reggae vocalist, (North America’s Leading America’s Leading Airline. Jamaica’s top travel agency, Patricia Etana. The event took place on Hotel Brand) and Conrad New Affonso- the eve of the 37th edition of York (North America’s Leading Go! Jamaica Travel, copped three Dass. Caribbean Travel Marketplace. Hotel). The beachside refinement awards and was named number Graham Cooke, founder of of Rosewood Baha Mar, one in the Caribbean and Jamaica.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 5 Hospiten Group marks 50th anniversary with celebrations for staff SPAIN-BASED GROUP has 5,000-strong hospital management. It now also operates in Middle East. Cobiella added. workforce, over 1,200 beds, and attends Jamaica, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, “Among other objectives, Hospiten will And as it looks to expand, Cobiella cited some 1,700,000 patients each year and Panama, primarily in tourist resort areas. focus investment on the acquisition of that Hospiten closed 2018 with a turnover The Hospiten Group, which is an acknowl- Apart from recognising its employees, state-of-the-art technology for its centres, of €335 million. “These economic data are edged leader in state-of-the-art private health- Hospiten will mark 50 years of operation in addition to renovating and extending its encouraging and reinforce our commitment care, will be marking its 50th anniversary in 2019 by reinforcing its social commit- facilities,” said Cobiella. to providing medical-hospital services of in 2019 with a series of activities that will, ment to the most vulnerable groups and the He continued, “After 50 years of working the highest quality in different parts of the among other things, see its dedicated staff organising of themed talks and conferences to improve people’s health, I do not want to world,” he said. being recognised for their unwavering service. that will address subjects of medical interest. miss the opportunity to express our gratitude In Madrid, the group-owned MD Founded in 1969 in Puerto de la Cruz All activities will come under the theme for the dedication and daily work of all our Anderson Cancer Centre Madrid, specialises in the Canary Islands, Spain, the Hospiten ‘Hospiten, We Improve for Your Health’. medical specialists and nursing staff,” exclusively in cancer treatment. It is Group has since grown into a workforce that President of the Hospiten Group, Dr Pedro “I also want to thank all those who have regarded as one of the most prestigious is 5,000 strong with over 1,200 beds while Luis Cobiella, has disclosed that a major been part of this project and have contrib- cancer centres in Spain. It is also an affiliate attending to 1,700,000 patients each year. focus of the private healthcare group is to uted to Hospiten now being synonymous of The University of Texas MD Anderson Hospiten has long spread its wings outside consolidate its expansion in Latin America. with quality and international prestige, and Cancer Centre Houston, a leader in cutting the borders of Spain, where it is listed as The Spain-based company has also begun to all the patients who choose us and trust edge advancement in the prevention, early being among the top five leaders in private to examine business opportunities in the us year after year, allowing us to grow”, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.

THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM Guests expect sophisticated and free connectivity

David Jessop its city centre properties in North studies have shown that hotels and beverages from anywhere on Hospitality Jamaica Writer America, the cost of one day’s globally will have little option a property, requests to make up OME YEARS ago, I stayed Wi-Fi access was absurd. other than to respond, whether to rooms, advice from housekeep- in a globally branded hotel I mention this as almost all improve in-house efficiency or to ing on when laundry is ready for Son Jamaica’s north coast. It travellers, whether on vacation or meet guest demand. delivery, a direct link to concierge claimed to have free Wi-Fi in every on business, now expect free high- At its most obvious, the services, and simplify checking out. room and in its public areas. While speed broadband, seamless connec- requirement expected of every It is also suggested that hotels this may have been true, the boast tivity, carry at least two devices, property will be to constantly offer tech-enabled meeting spaces said nothing about the bandwidth and are of the opinion that any upgrade bandwidth. The trend is and ballrooms. Just as important or the property’s ability to deal hotel that cannot provide a stable for travellers to arrive with ever as enabling business meetings with the level of demand at peak service at peak times should think more devices, which they wish using the latest video conferencing occupancy. twice about whether they have any to connect so that their ability to facilities, connectivity will enable The problem was that I, and future in the hospitality industry. DAVID JESSOP stream movies and play games is service enhancements, with clients many others, were there for a There are, of course, some uninterrupted, creating a never- determining when they can accept digital transformation of tourism is major industry conference as were wonderful exceptions in Jamaica ending battle that all hotels will be an interruption to their meeting by hundreds of vacationing families. and elsewhere in the region. essential and that its state directed expected to respond to. catering staff. More interestingly, It meant that connectivity was These are, the hotels where guests industry would address the poor Experts also suggest that guests perhaps, companies such as the virtually non-existent other than specifically go to escape being quality or absence of Wi-Fi in most increasingly will prefer to have Canadian telecoms company between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., causing connected, but for the most part, Cuban hotel rooms and in many their room key on their mobile Mitel speak about the growing me to take a taxi to a nearby prop- visitors want to feel able to com- public areas. device and will want the option demand for advanced technology erty late at night to beg their help municate at will with friends and The reality is that both dig- to check in using self-service in ballrooms and event spaces so so that I could meet a deadline. family and know what is going on ital technology for hotels and automation. While this may not be that those not able to be present It is something I have never in the wider world. customers’ requirements are for everyone, the suggestion is that can join remotely occasions like forgotten, and ever since, I have Connectivity relates directly changing rapidly, with the number hotels should develop in-property wedding celebrations. avoided staying at the hotel to competitiveness as Cuba has of millennial travellers, the apps for every guest as these offer What it and other companies in question even if offered as just recognised. In recent months, most connected generation ever, huge efficiencies and better guest like them make clear is that the conference accommodation. both the country’s president and expected to make up around 50 per service. Such apps on a mobile tech revolution is central to future Subsequently, I decided to avoid Tourism minister have said that as cent of all guests by 2020. device would be able to offer, for destination and hotel competitive- the chain completely as in some of a matter of government priority, the Recently, telecoms industry example, ordering room service ness and guest satisfaction.

6 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 Sandals providing opportunities for youth

ACH YEAR, over 100 young Jamaicans from more than 10 local tertiary institutions receive ‘I believe that the training and Einvaluable hands-on training and experience exposure I received through through Sandals Resorts International’s (SRI) robust internship programme. my training equipped me The job-placement initiative, which dates back to the company’s earliest years, is a continuation of the resort with skills I’ll be able to use company’s commitment to investing in young people by providing opportunities for exposure and growth. throughout my life.’ For a number of youngsters who go on to secure full to function effectively as part of a team. I interned time employment with the resort chain, the internship at Sandals Grande St Lucian in St Lucia and I was marks the start of an exciting professional journey. hired at Beaches Negril just two days after returning According to Marion Weinbeer-Holding, SRI’s to Jamaica. I believe that the training and exposure I group internship coordinator, the programme offers received through my training equipped me with skills tremendous opportunities for personal and profes- I’ll be able to use throughout my life.” sional advancement. “We have been able to Sandals Resorts International’s Deputy permanently hire multiple interns over the Chairman, Adam Stewart, reiterated Lady Allen years who have distinguished themselves the company’s belief in the value of during their time with us. We are the only its internship programmes. He said, company in the hospitality industry in the “Many jobseekers are expected to have ISSA Trust Foundation welcomes Caribbean that offers this opportunity to experience despite the fact that they so many students, allowing them to ex- are young graduates and have never plore different departments and apply the had the opportunity to work. Internship Her Excellency the Most theoretical knowledge they gained in the programmes such as ours seek to address universities in daily operations,” she said. that issue by allowing interns to walk “This enables them not only to fulfil the away with real-world experience to Hon Lady Allen as patron school requirements, but they also receive show prospective employers that they a stipend and personalised training have valuable skills which can benefit THE ISSA Trust Foundation, the non- ‘She is and development. It is indeed any organisation. Additionally, profit organisation founded by Couples very satisfying to give so a number of our interns do Resorts in 2005 and headed by Chairman extremely many budding hospitality end up receiving full-time Paul Issa and President & CEO Diane professionals a jump-start employment with us.” Pollard, is pleased to announce the driven for their future career,” Stewart added, “The appointment of Her Excellency, Lady she continued. internship programme has Allen as patron. and works Sherece Brown, now long been a tradition at Lady Allen joins her husband, His tirelessly with the training coordina- Sandals, and we therefore Excellency Sir Patrick Allen, governor tor at Beaches Negril, join Minister Floyd general of Jamaica, who has acted in this compassion and knows this all too well, Green in calling for capacity since 2011. having started her more companies to offer Lady Allen began nursing training commitment journey with the com- internship programmes at the Northern Caribbean University’s pany as an intern. She to our youth.” (NCU) Nursing Department while serving to make a shared, “The past two as the institution’s dean of women. She difference for years have been an migrated to the USA with her family amazing experience and completed the Bachelor of Science our youth.’ for me. I’ve been able Kahadeesha Warsop, Degree in Nursing at the Andrews to join and contribute to a sales executive at University, Berrien Spring, Michigan, and the team here at Beaches Beaches Negril, is later served in several senior positions at Negril, and I owe it all to living proof of the healthcare facilities in Michigan. the opportunity I received impact Sandals’ Between 2002 and 2007, she joined the faculty of NCU, where through my internship.” internship programme she served as lecturer in the Department of Nursing and later as the Kahadeesha Warsop, a has had on the lives of university’s human resource director. sales executive also em- many young people. A passionate advocate for children and the elderly, Lady Allen ployed at Beaches Negril, Warsop joined the now works with teens and young adults in several state-run juvenile company as an intern echoed similar senti- facilities and children’s homes. Once per week, she visits the ments. She said, “Unlike and managed to secure full-time Bustamante Hospital for Children and reads for the children. She internships I’d done was also instrumental in the establishment of the play and learning in the past, I felt like I employment after performing impressively stimulation room for patients at the hospital. was being prepared for during her tenure. She is Pollard stated, “We are thankful for Her Excellency Lady Allen’s a career right away. It among hundreds of acceptance as patron of the foundation. She is extremely driven and was a very hands-on and Sandals employees works tirelessly with compassion and commitment to make a differ- intense experience, but whose journeys began ence for our youth. Over the years, Lady Allen has attended our vision I very quickly learned through the internship and medical missions, spending time mentoring children accountability and how programme. and educators.”

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 7 Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2019 A BUSTLING SUCCESS Christopher Thomas Hospitality Jamaica Writer WESTERN BUREAU: HE MONTEGO Bay Convention Centre in Rose THall, St James, was the scene of vibrant activity as business operators and delegates from some 19 countries in the Caribbean came together recently for the hosting of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2019 trade show. Patrons were kept busy throughout the three-day show as they perused over 250 business booths The Montego Bay Convention Centre auditorium was in full swing set up in the convention centre’s with the hosting of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2019 trade auditorium, and the traders were show from Tuesday, January 29, to Thursday, January 31. likewise fully engaged in mak- ing connections with prospective international partners. Kaylia Harrison (left), senior sales manager for AM Resorts, and Jovanni Davis (centre), sales manager The exhibition, which was put on for AM Resorts, guide a visitor to their display booth through their company’s offerings. by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, included local Jamaican showcases and displays from other Caribbean countries, to include Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia, and The Gleaner/Power 106’s very own Shauna Fung-Yee (centre) Jacqui McDermott (centre), sales and marketing manager of the even as far away as the US Virgin stands together with Lorne Charles (left), general manager of Barbados-based Ocean Hotels, speaking with two prospective Islands. Marigot Beach Club and Dive Resort in St Lucia, and Chelsea clients at her organisation’s booth. Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association President Omar Florent, Marigot Beach Club’s marketing manager. Robinson, who was on hand to wit- Kendal Jackasal (right), acting general manager of Radisson Grenada ness the bustling activity at the trade Beach Resort in Grenada, and Arleen Redhead, sales manager for show, hailed the event as a tremen- Radisson, share their pitch with a visitor to their display booth. dous success. “The event has been wonderful and and we have a whole contingent from on the feedback from both the hotel- it’s been successful, with the addition Latin America, which is a growing iers and tour operators, it’s been an of new buyers from China and India, market for us,” said Robinson. “Based overall success.” Shelly-Ann Fung-King, chief executive officer of VIP Attractions, From left: Shelly-Ann Fung-King, chief executive officer of VIP Attractions, together with her team members, which is based in New Kingston, Kim Barker, public relations and marketing officer; Nicholas Watson, head of international sales; and Allison Callam, head of sales for Jamaica. was ecstatic about how the event had sparked the interest of potential Candice McCalla foreign investors in her company’s (right), digital offerings. marketer for “We’ve had lots of visitors to Travellers Negril our booth, and we’ve had quite a Jamaica, and few people that have expressed an Kenya Wagstaffe, interest, who’ve done their research general manager’s and know about our product, and executive assistant they’ve expressed how much they at Travellers Negril love it and want to partner with us. Jamaica, are all The interest we’ve got from the Latin smiles as they American group, as well as even the speak with a Charles Maynard (left), general manager of the Belle Mont Farm Omar Robinson (centre), president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist prospective client. Dr Wykeham McNeill (left), former minister of tourism, chats with Chinese, is phenomenal thus far,” said Robert Hendricks, chief executive officer and president of Resort in St Kitts and Nevis, guides a prospective client through Association (JHTA), chatting with JHTA reps Delwin Rochester and Fung-King. his company’s brochures. Rachel Stormes while walking the floor at the trade show. Caribbean World Enterprises, while attending the trade show.

8 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 9 Ja racks up most accolades at 26th Annual World Travel Awards HE JAMAICA took home a total of Entertainment Venue 24 awards at the 26th Annual World (Margaritaville Caribbean) TTravel Awards during the Caribbean Caribbean’s Leading and North America Gala Ceremony, which Honeymoon Resort (Sandals recently took place at Sandals Montego Bay. South Coast) Amongst the coveted awards bestowed were Caribbean’s Leading Hotel the Leading Caribbean Destination, Leading Brand (Sandals Resorts Caribbean Cruise Destination and, for the International) 13th year in a row, the Caribbean’s Leading Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Tourist Board. Residences (The Tryall Club) “We are proud and excited to kick off Caribbean’s Leading 2019 with such an impressive showing at the Independent Car Rental World Travel Awards,” said Donovan White, Company (Island Car Rentals) Jamaica’s director of tourism. “These awards Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All- reaffirm Jamaica’s commitment in human Suite Resort (Jamaica Inn) capital and assures that our visitors from Caribbean’s Leading Luxury around the globe can expect only the very Hotel Villa (Fleming Villa @ best service and experience when visiting the GoldenEye) destination.” Caribbean’s Leading Luxury A complete list of awards, including those Resort (Meliá Braco Village) won by tourism partners, is as follows: Caribbean’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre (Montego Caribbean’s Leading Destination Bay Convention Centre) (Jamaica) Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett (second left) and Director of Tourism Donovan Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Caribbean’s Leading Tour White (right) accepted the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board award at the 26th Destination (Jamaica) Operator (GO! Jamaica Travel) Annual World Travel Awards during the Caribbean and North America Gala Caribbean’s Leading Villa Resort Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board (Jamaica Tourist Board) Ceremony, held at Sandals Montego Bay. (Round Hill Hotel & Villas) Caribbean’s Leading Adventure World Travel Awards was established in Caribbean’s Leading Airport Caribbean’s Leading Conference Tour Operator (Island Routes Lounge (Club MoBay @ Hotel (Half Moon) 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate Caribbean Adventures) excellence across all key sectors of the travel, Sangster International Airport, Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Jamaica) (Ocho Rios) tourism and hospitality industries. To learn Tourist Attraction (Dolphin Cove) more about the World Travel Awards, go to Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Caribbean’s Leading Destination Caribbean’s Leading Airport Hotel (Rockhouse Hotel) Management Company (GO! www.worldtravelawards.com. (Sangster International Airport, Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Jamaica Travel) For more information about Jamaica, Jamaica) please visit www.visitjamaica.com. Resort (GoldenEye) Caribbean’s Leading Jamaica Tourist Board awarded the 2018 Destination of the Year

DESTINATION JAMAICA has been Smith, director of global marketing, awarded the 2018 Destination of the Year classic Vacations. by Classic Vacations. The island was chosen In 2018, Classic Vacations hosted its first because of its strong and consistent support Groups Advisory Board in Jamaica, bringing of Classic Vacations, through collaborating together a select group of top-selling travel with marketing and product development, to advisers focusing on destination weddings help to build awareness for the destination and other types of group business. The JTB’s and drive sales towards Classic’s luxury FIT Donnie Dawson, deputy director of sales, leisure market and Groups. “The Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) provided selling tips and offered support. willingness to participate and test a variety “We attribute our year-on-year growth Donnie Dawson (third from left), deputy director of Tourism, Sales, Jamaica Tourist of marketing initiatives offered by Classic in Jamaica to the solid and long-lasting Board, is flanked by members of his JTB team and industry stakeholders after Vacations has resulted in greater visibility partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board,” collecting the 2018 Destination of the Year Award from Classic Vacations. for the Jamaica brand and hotels,” said Lori added Smith.

10 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 ADVERTISEMENT HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 11 Artisan village to be established soon in Falmouth

Prospective shopkeeper in the Artisan Village Falmouth, Dana Baugh, displays her ceramic pieces.

Paul H. Williams Innovation (JCTI), it is an initiative Hospitality Jamaica Writer of the TEF, an agency of the ALMOUTH, THE capital Ministry of Tourism, to “highlight of Trelawny, a parish named the rich history and wealth of Fafter Edward Trelawney, Falmouth’. This artisan village will governor of Jamaica from 1738 be themed to tell the stories of old and new Falmouth,” the TEF said. to 1751, has a very solid place in Jamaica’s colourful history. It once BACK IN TIME had the busiest commercial port The space will be set up to look in Jamaica and its own historical like old-time Falmouth, to take narratives are nothing short of patrons back in time. And in that Basket weaver Omar ‘Sheldon’ Daley is a prospective shop-keeper intriguing. village there will be restaurants in the proposed Artisan Village in Falmouth. PHOTOS BY AFREE KAN And soon, people from here owned by the villagers, and not by and abroad will be travelling to big franchises. There will also be this north coast town of Georgian authentic Jamaican entertainment, buildings to hear some, if not all, of and people to tell the stories of these stories in the artisan village. Falmouth. To be established at the port of Importantly, the artisans in the Falmouth, the historic Hampden village will be producing and Wharves, the heritage site will marketing handmade items made house many of Jamaica’s artisans. from material sourced locally, “The artisan village seeks to sell nothing mass-produced and a cultural experience and not just imported.“We are attempting to a craft village where you just go bring high-quality artisans into the in and purchase things and come tourism value chain,” Carol Rose right out,” Robyn Lee, project Brown, director of the JCTI, told administrator at the Tourism Hospitality Jamaica. Enhancement Fund (TEF) told Over 40 shops will be opened Robynn Lee of the Tourism Hospitality Jamaica. She said it to locals and visitors, Brown Enhancement Fund says the is a chance to put on show what also said, creating opportunities artisan village in Falmouth will Jamaica was and how much it for small, medium and even be an opportunity to put on has grown. micro-size enterprises. Invitations show what Jamaica was and Rennae Johnson-Tjeertes of Pure Chocolate Ltd and artist Falling under the direction of to prospective shop-keepers will be how much it has grown. Lennox Coke are also among the prospective business operators the Jamaica Centre of Tourism opened soon. in the Artisan Village Falmouth.

12 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 ‘Teach us’ Colombia wants to follow Jamaica’s tourism lead Paul H. Williams Hospitality Jamaica Writer EARS AGO when people heard Colombia, the name of the South YAmerica country, they had images of mass homicides, mysterious disappear- ances, kidnappings, illicit drug-running, displacement of people, and social chaos. From right: Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Audley Shaw The homicide rate was approximately 30,000 listens as Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett makes a point. From left: Olivia Grange, people per year. But today, much of that has changed, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport; Nestor Mendez, OAS assistant Former President of Colombia Álvaro general-secretary; and Jaime Alberto Cabal, deputy secretary general of the World especially in the advancement of domestic tour- Uribe Veléz addressing the opening ism, and credit is being given to Álvaro Uribe Tourism Organisation. PHOTOS BY AREE KAN session. Vélez, who was president from 2002-2010. At the Second Global Conference on Jobs partner with Jamaica in the development of Olivia Grange and Commerce Minister and Inclusive Growth: Small and Medium that sector. This collaboration with Jamaica, Audley Shaw, President Veléz said, “You Tourism Enterprises held inside the Montego he said, is very important in developing have done a great job, and I will come in one Bay Conference Centre in St James on SMTEs in Colombia. year hence, to see what you are doing to pro- Tuesday, January 29, among other things, He said, “For someone as Colombian as I mote small and medium tourism enterprises, President Veléz, the keynote speaker, was am, it is very difficult to speak on tourism in introduced as the best president that Colombia and what other examples I have to take back ever had. Jamaica, because Jamaica has been a great to my country. He had transformed a country where do- leader in this very important activity.” In the Other speakers at the conference, held mestic and international tourism was all but realm of tourism, Veléz said Colombians have under the auspices of Jamaica’s Ministry dead, where the number of hotel rooms rose Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agri to be the students and Jamaica the teacher. of Tourism and the World Tourism from 80,000 in 2002 to 200,000 in 2010, and culture and Fisheries Audley Shaw He said Simon Bolivar, the great South Organization, were Edmund Bartlett, min- where the number of visitors jumped from addressing the opening session of the American liberator, found Jamaica to be an ister of tourism; Audley Shaw, minister of 500,000 in 2002 to six million in 2018. 2nd Global Conference on Jobs and inspiring place, and, “Now,” he said, “We industry, commerce, agriculture and fisheries; Veléz is no longer in power, but he is still Inclusive Growth: Small and Medium have to come here to learn from you on how Jaime Cabal, deputy secretary-general of the active in the transformation of tourism in Tourism Enterprises at the Montego to promote tourism in Colombia.” United Nations World Tourism Organization; Colombia, especially small and medium Bay Conference Centre on Tuesday, In concluding his address, while facing and Nestor Mendez, assistant secretary gen- tourism enterprises (SMTEs), and wants to January 29. Tourism Minister Bartlett, Culture Minister eral of the Organization of American States.

development’, even prior to assuming the role of president last CHTA president hails Caribbean diversity year, asserted that the people of PRESIDENT OF the Caribbean integral to the sustainability of the region are “our most important Hotel and Tourism Association our economies and, by extension, asset and our most marketable (CHTA), Patricia Affonso-Dass, the livelihood of our people; and commodity”. hailed the diversity of the region, I would like to encourage you to In a world that often appears it’s incredible natural beauty get more actively engaged with dominated by divisiveness, fear and and people as core strengths the association,” she implored. uncertainty, the CHTA president’s as she called for the Caribbean CORE STRENGTH dream is for the Caribbean region to be better known as the most “The diversity of buyers “to continue to stand strong and welcoming region in the world. attending Marketplace from around united, to be synonymous with a Speaking at the opening the world, ironically, reflects the genuine welcome, an authentic ceremony of the just-concluded experience and excellent service 37th annual Caribbean Travel diversity of our Caribbean offerings Marketplace, the Caribbean’s – a united region with an incredible delivered with soul and pride.” largest tourism marketing event, array of offerings with their own She told the 1,000 delegates in Montego Bay, the Barbados- distinct natural beauty, history and attending the opening recep- culture. This is one of our core tion that “more and more of our based hotelier said it was time to CHTA President Patricia Affonso-Dass addressing Caribbean change the way the world refer- strengths,” she added. customers are telling us that what Travel Marketplace delegates at the opening ceremony. At left is Pointing to the region’s people, they are seeking is a personal ences the region, “from the most CHTA’s Director General and CEO Frank Comito. tourism-dependent in the world she wants the Caribbean to be connection with our people, to the world’s most desirable, said CTM was hosting the largest Canada, Colombia, India, Mexico, known as a region where genuine a genuine experience, and an most tolerant and inclusive, most group of buyers in its history from Panama, Peru, Poland, Puerto service is delivered by “region- opportunity to feel that their being welcoming, most hospitable, most the widest number of countries. Rico, St Vincent & the Grenadines, ally proud, highly trained pro- here makes a positive difference. facilitative and investment-friendly, Some 60 new buyer companies Switzerland, the United Kingdom fessionals who understand the Our responsibility is to ensure that and most environmentally sensitive out of approximately 145 have and the United States, she told the critical importance of their role and our people have the right training, region in the world”. joined the conference this year, gathering. their importance to the success, real opportunities for development, Speaking on behalf of the region’s and CHTA welcomed the largest “Our relationship with you, sustainability and economic and a chance to derive the greatest pre-eminent private-sector trade asso- contingent of Chinese travel buyers our buyer partners, and your viability of the region”. value for themselves and their ciation and its 33 national hotel and to date, along with new buyer active engagement in promot- Affonso-Dass, who has families from the industry in which tourism associations, the president companies from Argentina, Brazil, ing and selling our region is championed the theme ‘people they work”.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 13 AROUND JA WITH PAUL H Raining on Jamaica’s parade?

NOARIBBEAN TRAVEL WAY! Marketplace (CTM) is Cthe biggest event on the Caribbean tourism marketing calendar. This year, from January 29 to 31, it was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James, the parish where I was born, grew up, and frolicked on the beaches. And since I did not know if I would ever get the chance to attend such an event overseas, I made every effort to attend this time around. Thanks to everybody who made my attendance possible. They know themselves. Travelling from Kingston, the first day started out well. I had to divide my time between two places, including the venue, where I went first, as there was the opening of a conference I wanted to be present at. On my departure from the venue to the next stop, it was raining. Nothing to worry about, I thought. But I was so wrong. Lorne Charles (left) and Chelsea Florent stand beside a poster of When my next mission was St Lucia’s famous Gros Piton. PHOTOS BY AFREE KAN accomplished about 4 p.m., tons of water was pouring down from the skies. My pickup vehicle did not turn up. Luckily, my next stop was on the same stretch, but the rain was just too much. A route taxi was the only option, and I reached my accommodation partially wet. There, it was time for the rain to put on some more watery display. There was water at my room The Jamaican pushcart made its presence felt. entrance. I put my bags down, went inside to get out of those clingy, wet clothes. I stepped outside with a towel around my waist to get my luggage. Then, I heard a slam. RAINING LIKE CRAZY The key was on the bed inside. It was raining like crazy. I am locked out, and I had another function to Glenroy Boatswain of True Blue Bay Boutique Resort is putting attend at the conference centre. The on his Grenadian charm. story of how I got to the front desk cannot be told on these pages, but I way to the venue, and traffic was at a anywhere. I went to find comfort went, got another key, and walked standstill. And so it was. in food, and I had a feast. Then back in the rain. But I could not stand still. I tried someone called to say the function I hurriedly got dressed and went to find out what was going on. was moved from the outdoors. The to the front for a shuttle pickup. After Only bits and pieces of informa- show was on. From left: Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Dr Wykham waiting for an hour with no sign of tion were coming in. Then, after The rain continued throughout McNeill, opposition spokesman on tourism, look at boxes of the transport, I heard that there was three hours of waiting, I embraced the night, threatening to pour more Jamaican confectionery from RSS Natural Delites. a serious accident in the rain on the the fact that I would not be going water on Jamaica’s parade. The

14 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 entire Caribbean came to Jamaica and that was how the weather welcomed them. But, it could not stop the Marketplace, and what a great three days it was. I thoroughly enjoyed walking up and down, talking with people from all over the Caribbean, and beyond. I have never been in a place with so many Caribbean people at the same time. They were here to show what they had to offer in the Caribbean travel market, and Jamaica has much more. At one point on the second day, I saw a half-Chinese-looking youngster with a group of Chinese visitors. He looks like he is in his teens. Smiling, I felt moved to say, “Why are you not in school? This is an event for working adults.” He laughed. He was over 21. And yes, he’s half-black, half-Chinese. It turned out that he is a UWI student who was the interpreter for that Chinese delegation. He also speaks Japanese. Big up, Calvin Wong. I was so proud of him. It was further revealed that that was the first time he had been to Montego Bay. There were many stories, and questions. And my camera, legs The official touring party at the recently held Caribbean Travel Marketplace at the Montego Bay Conference Centre. From left: Dr and brain were very tired by the Wykham McNeill, Opposition spokesman on tourism; Patricia Affonso-Dass, president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association; end of the second day – the first Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett; Dave Bahlman, Adara’s vice-president of destination media – travel and tourism; Frank J Comito, full day of buying and selling. In CEO and director general of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association; Donovan White, Jamaica’s director of tourism; Scotiabank’s fact, my 100 per cent full battery Carlene Lyn; David Noel, Scotiabank Jamaica’s president and CEO; and Camille Needham, executive director, Jamaica Hotel and simply died just before I left the Tourist Association. Stooping: Omar Robinson, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association president; and Hugh Riley, general secretary venue with a bag of complimentary of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation. pens and promotional literature, pictures, I bade Montego Bay and in it must be commended fervently. and a heart bursting with pride. the Caribbean goodbye. The Caribbean was on show in I arrived early on the third day because I had to leave to a certain From the look of things, it was a Jamaica and we did not disappoint, obligation in Kingston. After a quick well-organised and well-attended despite the watery threat on the look around, more chats, and more event. Everybody who had a hand first day.

Lunch on Wednesday, January 30, was sponsored by St Maarten/ St Martin.

People doing business in a section of the Jamaica Tourist Board’s space at Caribbean Travel Marketplace at the Montego Bay Calvin Wong, a UWI Mona campus student, was the interpreter for this Chinese delegation. Conference Centre on Wednesday, January 30.

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 15 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE GLEANER COMPANY (MEDIA) LIMITED, 7 NORTH STREET, KINGSTON, JAMAICA