Jacqueline Henry, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Nicola Madden-Greg

With just a few hours to go before the official start of the ICC Cricket World Cup this afternoon, some Kingston hotels are boasting 80 per cent occupancy.

Nicola Madden-Greg, director of marketing for the Courtleigh and Knutsford Court hotels, says of the 2,000 rooms available to visitors in Kingston, approximately 1,600 have been booked for Cricket World Cup. This figure does not represent bookings for bed and breakfast accommodations.

conservative figures

Madden-Greg, who is the chairperson for the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association Kingston Chapter, points out that the figures are conservative and could climb as a result of last-minute bookings. She also states that there are some visitors who may opt to stay with family and friends for the period.

Several other Kingston hotels, when contacted, report they are enjoying occupancy rates in the mid to high 80s. Mrs. Claudette Kenlock, director of sales and marketing for the Hilton Kingston, says the hotel currently has approximately 75 per cent occupancy for Cricket World Cup, with the bulk of visitors coming from the United States, United Kingdom and some corporate clients.

The Pegasus hotel is also boasting brisk business, according to general manager Eldon Bremner, with a 65 per cent occupancy. This, he says, is expected to increase significantly by the official opening ceremony later today. The guests form a potpourri of nationalities from Zimbabwe, Ireland, Pakistan and Caribbean region.

The tournament will last for 49 days, concluding on April 28.

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