Assamba

Tourism Minister Aloun Assamba has announced the allocation of $50 million to be used for the beautification and upgrading of three of the island's landmarks and heritage tourist sites in preparation for the staging of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

$25 million to upgrade National Heroes Park.

$20.2 million to upgrade Devon House.

$4.8 million to upgrade Trench Town Culture Yard.

The money will come from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), which has committed to funding projects totalling $251 million since its establishment a year ago.

The TEF was set up from fees collected from visitors to the island at the two international airports, and the resources are to be used to finance projects aimed at enhancing the tourism product.

In addition to the heritage sites, the TEF will finance the beautification of the entrances to the city of Kingston, including the roadway from Norman Manley International Airport, along the Humming Bird route into New Kingston and from José Martí along the Ferry road into downtown Kingston.

According to JIS News, Minister Assamba made the disclosure during a press conference held at the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) offices in St. Andrew last week.

CONCERNS

Her announcement came amid concerns that the country was not readying itself to host the prestigious international cricket tournament early next year.

The opening ceremony will be held in the new stadium constructed in Trelawny, while several practice or semi-final matches will be staged there or at Sabina Park in Kingston.

The Tourism Minister pointed out that these projects included the beautification, general maintenance and clean-up of the island's resort towns as well as customer service training programmes for the tourism industry staff and craft vendors. She explained that "a comprehensive resort plan has been developed for Ocho Rios, Negril and the Montego Bay Hip Strip."

She stated that funds were approved for the clean-up and beautification exercises in all the resort towns including $9.5 million for main street rehabilitation, beautification and landscaping in Ocho Rios; and $4.8 million to construct a roundabout near Mineral Heights in Clarendon, to facilitate traffic flow along the island's southern corridor.

Turning to training, Minister Assamba added that $3.3 million was approved for customer service training for the staff at the island's two airports. Additional funds have been approved for customer service training programmes in select craft markets in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Kingston.

"We recognise that the craft markets are an important aspect of the tourism product and we need to work with our craft vendors since they continuously interface with our visitors," Minister Assamba noted.

Speaking of future projects, the minister indicated that some "additional projects totalling $167 million are currently under review for approval by the TEF board.

The minister appealed to communities, non-governmental organisations and community- based organisations to create and conceptualise projects that are "in keeping with the tourism master plan," and that would sustain tourism development.