The Spring-breakers take the party
to the sea. - FileBy Janet Silvera,
Freelance Writer
WESTERN BUREAU
HANDS IN the air, shouting wow...woh! were just some of the words of exhilaration, that Spring-breakers declared, while descending the steps of Air Jamaica flight 048 from Boston, at the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Saturday morning.
Dressed to the 'Tee' in Red Stripe T-shirts, over 100 students from St. Michael's College Vermont were officially greeted at a welcome reception hosted by representatives of Red Stripe, along with officials of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Air Jamaica and Montego Bay's Mayor, Hugh Solomon.
"This is our first trip to Jamaica, last year we went to Barbados and it was too quiet, I have higher expectations for Jamaica, we are here for more fun and parties", said Emily Ingardia, who was instrumental in getting the group to choose Jamaica.
Over 25,000 spring-breakers are expected to arrive on the island in the next six weeks and Red Stripe Beer was on hand to ensure that students, who knew little about the brand would recognise they have now entered Red Stripe country.
Red Stripe beer flowed freely at the reception, polo shirts, caps, key rings, beer mugs and other promotional items were given away as special prizes. Mayor Solomon unlatched his mayoral chain of office and helped to serve up Red Stripe beer to the many students present. Jennifer Sharrier, Brand Communications Executive stated that 'Red Stripe is an integral part of Jamaican life, and is synonymous with fun, festivity and the easy vibe. That's one of the reasons why Red Stripe is involved in Spring Break. We have organised numerous events, focusing our attention on keeping the vacationers entertained".
The company which has been involved with Spring Break for the past 13 years has organised 1500 promotional activities for the duration of Spring Break. The action will surround events such as Red Stripe welcome parties, reggae beach parties, beach volleyball competitions and karaoke contests.
Of the 25,000 students expected this year, Negril's seven miles beach and romantic cliffs, said to hug the sunset is the preferred destination. Montego Bay has failed in attracting the 'Ivy League', 'Wall Street' students, who if satisfied will continue to grace our shores for the next 40 years.
"If we had a big concert in Montego Bay, something really big to make it a Spring Break destination, then maybe we get more students showing interest in the area. There are a lot of television shows, E- Television, Travel Channel had one of the most unbelievable show on the country. All these have helped Negril", said Matt Hamrell, operations manager of Sunsplash Tours, one of the main Spring Break Tour Operators.
Spring Break has become a major business for both resort areas of Montego Bay and Negril, what was once ignored by many hoteliers, is now being embraced by many and a number of untraditional properties are now accommodating the students.
Margueritaville Negril has employed fifty-one additional persons from Lucea and Savanna-La-Mar to boost staff complement, to deal with the large numbers of spring-breakers. Meanwhile Risky Business has embarked on refurbishing its facility at a cost of over half a million dollars.
Jamventure Tours and Services in Kingston will transport Jamaican students, who want to attend Spring Break beach parties. "We have worked out special all-inclusive packages for university and college students to have a day of 'Fun In The Sun at Margueritaville and Risky Buisness, because we were approached by students from UTECH", said Dollis Campbell-Williams.
