On the rhythm of ‘Heartbeat of Jamaica’
Diaspora visit boosts Kingston’s potential and image
Published July 7, 2010
Hospitality Jamaica
As the crisp summer warmed up Kingston, the cosmopolitan warmly welcomed a Diaspora group for a four-day familiarization tour of the capital city.
“The aim was to expose the group to Kingston with the hope that individuals will get a better understanding of the range of products being offered in Jamaica outside of the traditional sun, sea and sand,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, chairman, Kingston chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and group director of marketing and sales, The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites.
The trip was also an opportunity for the group of some 50 persons including 30 media representatives to understand the uniqueness and potential of Destination Kingston. “Also we wanted them to communicate to their viewers/listeners that Jamaica and Kingston is open for business and the events of May 24th were not as wide spread, as reported,” Madden-Greig added.
“There was shock and dismay when we heard the news about the security situation in Kingston,” said Louis Henry, chairman and CEO of Connecticut based Caribbean Network Programme Television. “But we need to play down emotions and work towards highlighting positives, Kingston is beautiful and gorgeous.”
Kenneth Stewart, manager of WPAT 930 AM, a New York based radio station, cemented Henry’s sentiments. “We have a very positive reaction,” he said. “This is the message we are going to give to everyone.”
The trip, which was facilitated by collaborative efforts of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), JHTA and Air Jamaica, and the country’s deputy tourism director David Shields, was on hand assisting the group. “The negative comments had the potential to cause greater challenges for the tourism community,” said Shields.
“This was an educational trip for these influential persons (Clergy, Community Leaders, Media) so they would be in a better position to present opinions more in tune with today’s reality,” Shields stated.
The trip had a four-pronged objective; to facilitate the exposure of a select group of Diaspora Influencers to the current state of affairs in Kingston and the surrounding communities, especially in relation to West Kingston; to reacquaint them with the geography of Kingston and St. Andrew; to highlight that social activities in Kingston and its environs were back to normal.
Over four days (June 24 – 27), the group held interviews with civic and community leaders, clergy and tourism officials, toured Kingston – experienced the city’s, culture and nightlife, participated in a concert in Downtown Kingston and soaked their spirits at the beach.
The response of the participants was upbeat, “They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reacquaint them with Kingston, and to reconnect with their culture,” Shields said. “Some had not been back to Kingston for many years.”
“This is a new path for Kingston to move forward,” said Henry. “I am going to come back soon and tell my friends to visit here too.”
amitabh.sharma@hotmail.com
Published July 7, 2010
Hospitality Jamaica
“The aim was to expose the group to Kingston with the hope that individuals will get a better understanding of the range of products being offered in Jamaica outside of the traditional sun, sea and sand,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, chairman, Kingston chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and group director of marketing and sales, The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites.
The trip was also an opportunity for the group of some 50 persons including 30 media representatives to understand the uniqueness and potential of Destination Kingston. “Also we wanted them to communicate to their viewers/listeners that Jamaica and Kingston is open for business and the events of May 24th were not as wide spread, as reported,” Madden-Greig added.
“There was shock and dismay when we heard the news about the security situation in Kingston,” said Louis Henry, chairman and CEO of Connecticut based Caribbean Network Programme Television. “But we need to play down emotions and work towards highlighting positives, Kingston is beautiful and gorgeous.”
Kenneth Stewart, manager of WPAT 930 AM, a New York based radio station, cemented Henry’s sentiments. “We have a very positive reaction,” he said. “This is the message we are going to give to everyone.”
The trip, which was facilitated by collaborative efforts of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), JHTA and Air Jamaica, and the country’s deputy tourism director David Shields, was on hand assisting the group. “The negative comments had the potential to cause greater challenges for the tourism community,” said Shields.
“This was an educational trip for these influential persons (Clergy, Community Leaders, Media) so they would be in a better position to present opinions more in tune with today’s reality,” Shields stated.
The trip had a four-pronged objective; to facilitate the exposure of a select group of Diaspora Influencers to the current state of affairs in Kingston and the surrounding communities, especially in relation to West Kingston; to reacquaint them with the geography of Kingston and St. Andrew; to highlight that social activities in Kingston and its environs were back to normal.
Over four days (June 24 – 27), the group held interviews with civic and community leaders, clergy and tourism officials, toured Kingston – experienced the city’s, culture and nightlife, participated in a concert in Downtown Kingston and soaked their spirits at the beach.
The response of the participants was upbeat, “They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reacquaint them with Kingston, and to reconnect with their culture,” Shields said. “Some had not been back to Kingston for many years.”
“This is a new path for Kingston to move forward,” said Henry. “I am going to come back soon and tell my friends to visit here too.”
amitabh.sharma@hotmail.com
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