Grand slam for tourism

WESTERN BUREAU:

When Steve Gera looked around the grandstand at Jamaica’s National Stadium, he saw more than just fans. He saw a movement.

“We’ve taken over at least five hotels,” said the president of Grand Slam Track, standing amid the electric energy of the newly launched international athletics event.

“We’ve had thousands of people come in just to service the event, and thousands more coming to watch. Restaurants like Janga’s, Ribbiz, and Mystic Thai were overrun. I don’t have the exact numbers, but I know once the week is over the impact will be in the millions of dollars.”

For Kingston, still hungry for consistent tourism-driven economic activity, the sound of cheering crowds is more than just national pride, it is business. And events like Grand Slam Track are proving that sport may be the next great frontier in driving revenue and relevance for Jamaica’s capital.

The city has long hosted high-profile meets like Champs and Racers Grand Prix, but with new players entering the arena, the push to brand Kingston as a sports tourism hotspot is gaining real traction.

“Sporting events like Boys’ and Girls’ Champs and Grand Slam are excellent vehicles to drive sport tourism,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, marketing head for both The Jamaica Pegasus and Courtleigh Hotel and Suites. “The global sport tourism market generates over $600 billion annually. Jamaica’s long and stellar performance in athletics, combined with our rich culture and hospitality, makes us an ideal destination. But we need to take it to the next level.”

Christopher Jarrett, area chair for the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association’s Kingston chapter, agrees. He’s seen the pattern over and over, a bump in hotel occupancy every time a major event hits the city.

“The same existed for Grand Slam this past weekend,” he said. “Yes, there should be a stronger push for sport tourism. But there also needs to be constructive conversations around the influence of Airbnb, how to ensure service is seamless and safe, but more importantly, how to regulate for consistency,” he argued on a subject matter that needs to be explored further.

At the AC Hotel Kingston, General Manager Koen Heitbrink said what’s happening isn’t just about sports, it’s about culture and Kingston evolving into a vibrant host city that can handle it all.

“It’s not just sports, it is culture at large,” he said. “Kingston is becoming more and more of a platform that can comfortably host athletic events, concerts, and cultural gatherings. That’s amazing not only for hotels, but also for small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs; it touches every corner of the economy.”

Heitbrink sees the city’s growing reputation as a host as a source of pride, especially as it feeds into a cycle of repeat business and international word-of-mouth.

“The fact that we’re continuously able to host big events speaks to the quality and reputation of Kingston’s hospitality,” he added. “And it’s a testament to the amazing ladies and gentlemen here at the AC Hotel. It’s genuinely fun to welcome these groups and help them fulfil their mission.”

Back at the track, Gera’s vision is clear: Kingston isn’t just one stop on a world tour. It’s a statement.

“We’re not just coming here and leaving,” he said. “We’re building something that respects the sport’s culture. Kingston was a no-brainer. It’s the sprint capital of the world.”

And for hoteliers such as Christopher Issa, the hope is that Jamaica’s capital keeps sprinting forward.

“What is happening in Kingston is a move towards greater visibility, sustainable growth, and the capital’s rightful place on the global sports tourism map,” he said.

Issa’s S Kingston Hotel has been seeing its accommodation numbers increase during the staging of the various events, particularly with Jamaicans from the diaspora.

He is heartened by the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Kingston Calendar of Events, he said, because the city is really growing as a cultural and events destination.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com