Monique Hepburn, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
WITH THE official start of the 2004/05 winter tourist season just a few days away, tourism interests in Negril are reporting that despite damages suffered during the passage of Hurricane Ivan, they are ready to welcome visitors.
"Most of us are just about finished with our renovations. Some properties may not be open in time but most of us are ready for the season," said Carolyn Wright, a director of the Negril Chamber of Commerce in a recent interview with Western Focus.
According to Ms. Wright, who is also chairman of the Negril chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association (JHTA), many properties still have unresolved issues to deal with, as some insurance companies have been tardy in settling claims. This, she says, has resulted in a delay in repair work for many hotel properties.
TOURISM IS OUR BUSINESS
"We want those insurance companies who have not honoured claims to do so quickly because tourism is our business. They should make every effort to pay," said Ms. Wright.
Visitors have already started to arrive in Negril ahead of the season's official start as the recent Reggae Marathon drew a large international following. Ms. Wright told Western Focus that visitors, local and international, can come to Negril expecting the typical relaxing and carefree vacation the town offers.
