Island Village moves to fill tourism gap after Melissa

As the winter tourist season opens, with parts of the north coast still recovering from Hurricane Melissa, Island Village Plaza in Ocho Rios, St Ann, is stepping in to serve residents and visitors.

Across the north coast, several major hotels routinely suspend day pass sales over Christmas and New Year, and some properties remain closed for renovation, further narrowing holiday options.

The entertainment, souvenir and dining complex has teamed up with Chukka Caribbean Adventures to offer alternatives that operators say are not “only as engaging as hotel day passes, but often more comprehensive and accessible to a broader audience”.

Island Village’s operations manager, Andrew Reid, summed up the plaza’s message as “don’t worry… we got you.” He said the complex, which has catered to locals and tourists for more than two decades, has been reimagined as a curated, open-access destination with no entrance fee.

Visitors can browse shops selling local crafts and international brands, while children enjoy the free “Fun Zone”, complete with a splash pad, lawn games and a pond with turtles and fish.

Reid said Island Village has long filled the gap during peak winter occupancy, particularly for locals and Airbnb guests. Melissa’s impact, he added, has created an opportunity to broaden what the plaza offers.

A new rafting experience on the Turtle River has quickly become a draw, complementing the plaza’s shopping, dining, live entertainment and Chukka tour desks for excursions to Dunn’s River Falls and other attractions. Safety, he said, remains paramount, with strict hygiene and sanitisation protocols in place.

Model Praised

Local leaders have endorsed the initiative. Michael Belnavis, Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, praised Island Village as a “one-stop shop” showcasing the diversity of Jamaica’s tourism product. He said the model allows locals to enjoy amenities typically reserved for hotel guests while strengthening the wider tourism ecosystem.

Paul Thompson, Mayor of Port Antonio, noted that hotels often suspend day passes during peak periods to prevent overcrowding in pools, beaches and dining areas. He urged continued investment in outdoor experiences that highlight Jamaica’s authentic offerings beyond hotel walls.

For communities in northeastern Jamaica – particularly Portland and St Mary – the option of Island Village is welcome.

Garfield Dussard, a Tower Isle businessman, said the new arrangement offers better value. “It’s actually a great deal. You don’t have to buy a day pass for over US$100 per person, and you have all the amenities. In many cases you’ll be spending less than US$100 and have a lot more at your disposal.”

Marlise Cowie Adiansingh, principal of Nonsuch Primary School in Portland, said Island Village’s mix of attractions –including a cinema – allows families to spend an entire day in one place. “It’s a fantastic option –better than the hotel day pass if you ask me,” she said. “It’s the festive season and what better way to celebrate Christmas than to gather as family or in groups to have a big celebration together in one place. This is awesome news, especially at a time when the dollar has to be stretched.”

editorial@gleanerjm.com