Jamaica tourism minister Edmund Bartlett said an additional $175 million in funding is being made available to improve amenities in Ocho Rios.
This is in addition to $400 million allocated, some of which has gone toward improving Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Terminal and the surrounding area.
The minister says the money will make the resort town more attractive to cruise ship and stopover visitors.
"What we will have in Ocho Rios is a renewed experience. It will have freshness and a crispness that will be very attractive to visitors over time. Already, we have completed the Turtle River road trails and the parking lots at the terminal building. The cruise ship pier has been refurbished," he said.
The next phase will be to give the walkway leading from the cruise ship pier into the town a makeover.
The project is being underwritten by the Tourism Enhancement Fund and the Port Authority of Jamaica.
"Whatever can be done to make this town cleaner and more beautiful will be welcomed. I have always maintained that if we can keep Ocho Rios attractive, if we can keep it harassment free, then we will be able to attract visitors from all over the world," said minister of labour and social security, Shahine Robinson, who is also member of parliament for the area.
