Portland’s Revival needed now - Boutique ships, experiential tourism can bring back birthplace of the industry

Dolphin Bay, Portland:

Businessman and hotelier Gordon Townsend believes that the time is ripe for the Ministry of Tourism to seek to attract boutique-type vessels to Port Antonio, which could revive the already-fragile sector after decades of decline.

Townsend, who owns and operates several properties in Portland, told Hospitality Jamaica last weekend that mega liners, which can easily fit into the ports at Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Falmouth, will never be seen at the pristine Ken Wright shipping pier in Port Antonio because of their abnormal size.

“Gone are the days of the 1970s and ‘80s, when we (Port Antonio) managed to attract as many as seven cruise ships per week,” commented Townsend.

He continued: “In those days, two or three cruise ships were spotted in Port Antonio almost daily, and we were envied at that time. The reality now is that the smaller boutique ships are disappearing and the mega liners have assumed ownership of the sea and ports, which leaves us with only one option.”

He noted that the cradle or birthplace of tourism, Port Antonio, has experience a nosedive in both cruise shipping and land-based arrivals and, therefore, is in dire need of a revival.

“There is need for a change, as Port Antonio still has its potential and is renowned for its picturesque beauty and friendly people. The local culture in Port Antonio is still relevant to the sector, and tourists from Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Africa are finding their way into this neck of the woods to experience the real culture.”

According to Townsend, Bay View Villa and Spa, which is owned by him, has been able to attract tourists from these particular regions owing to their keen interest in mingling with the local people in rural communities, while basking in the cultural experience.

“They fly into Montego Bay and are transported to Port Antonio via Knutsford Express. These visitors spends three or four days here, but most of that time is spent at Frenchman’s Cove beach and Winifred Beach. Gastronomy is also one of the key areas that has gained their favour, as the local food and other delicacies are heavily consumed by them. They have developed a craving for Boston jerk pork, rice and peas, steamed fish, run dung, and other indigenous food,” Townsend explained.

It is against that background that Townsend is hoping that the Ministry of Tourism will consider Port Antonio as a major tourist destination, while undertaking a vigorous marketing strategy to attract boutique ships, in order to ensure that tourism industry players benefit and earn from the activity, with the trickle-down effect reaching rural communities.

He added that he is witnessing new interests (tourists). “Whenever they are on the beach in Portland, they willingly eat out of the pot of ordinary residents and expressed keen interest in our Patois and dialect.”

He argued that in the absence of luxurious, all-inclusive hotels on the eastern end of the island, the real cultural experience of travelling into the Blue Mountains, Moore Town, and savouring local dishes is more than an attraction.

“If pursued, it could very well reap the desired results. Getting 500 to 700 people into Port Antonio aboard boutique ships could be just what the tourism doctor ordered.”