Portland hoteliers prepare to fill tourism gap left by hurricane devastation

After Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica’s tourism capital, Montego Bay, eastern parishes such as Portland are seizing the chance to welcome visitors and showcase their attractions.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said Thursday that Port Antonio, Ocho Rios and Negril will play a central role in launching the winter tourist season on December 15, noting those destinations were not as severely affected as Montego Bay and other western parishes.

“Port Antonio is a very unique destination that attracts both high-end and adventure tourists,” Bartlett said. “The fact that it wasn’t as badly affected gives it an opportunity to respond. Attractions such as Boston Jerk, Rio Grande rafting and Somerset Falls are well-known internationally.”

Western parishes, including St James, Trelawny and Hanover, bore the brunt of the storm, leaving a gap in accommodation and services. Hoteliers in Portland say they are ready to help fill that void.

Errol Hanna, a Portland hotelier, told The Gleaner that properties in the parish remained largely unscathed. “Port Antonio is more than able to provide accommodation to tourists and other visitors who might be displaced at this time,” he said, noting that attractions such as Reach Falls and Rio Grande rafting continue to operate.

Other hoteliers echoed similar sentiments. Gordon Townsend of Bay View Villas and Eco Resort said his property is prepared to host visitors. “Yes, the western parishes were hard-hit, but out of adversity comes opportunity, and I think this is a chance for Portland to respond to the tourism cry,” he said.

Hanna added that his property had rooms available and was prepared to offer short-term concessions to hurricane victims. “We had guests in house during and after the storm. I am prepared to offer a 50-per-cent discount to victims of the hurricane on a short-term basis, maybe for a week. But this has to be temporary, because we have to be prepared for the upcoming winter tourist season,” he said.

“It’s normally a slow period in September and October, however, from December to April, our occupancy goes up. We are ready to accommodate locals and visitors to the island. We are able to accommodate tourists without any issues. We have light and water and we provide free Internet service,” he added.

Executive director of Jamaica Vacations, Joy Roberts, said there is strong interest in Port Antonio, pointing to boutique cruise ships, which she noted are expected to increase their presence in the coming months.

Gareth Davis Sr