Tourists urged to go skanking - TravelMole


Tourists urged to go skanking

Friday, 26 Jan, 2012 0

Jamaica’s new tourism minister wants to try to encourage tourists to mix more with locals so the entire population can benefit financially and socially from visitors.

Speaking at Caribbean Marketplace in the Bahamas, Dr Wykeham McNeill said tourists would also get a more authentic Jamaican experience, which they would not be able to get anywhere else in the world.

"It could be singing "No woman no cry" with a local group, skanking after ska, eating ackee fish, jerk chicken or just relaxing with a rum cocktail," he said. "I am certain that any of these adventures will improve our overall visitor satisfaction and encourage return visitors."

The Jamaica Tourist Board set up has impressed the new minister and he praised its marketing skills and achievements over the past four years including the efforts made by the UK office that in Olympic year will be under even greater pressure to deliver exposure for the destination.

"2012 is a big big year for Jamaica. Not only do we have high expectations of our athletes in the London Games but it is also the 50th anniversary of independence," added McNeil.

"The whole year will see a series of events and promotions that will draw attention to the island’s many attributes not least of which are our sports facilities. We play cricket, soccer, netball, golf and participate in a whole host of other activities. Jamaica is an ideal destination for sports groups of all ages to visit and in many cases take on local teams at their chosen sports."

JTB – UK Director Elizabeth Fox with the new Jamaican Tourism Minister

McNeil, coming from a family hotel background, also had a final word swipe at the UK government’s refusal to reduce air passenger duty on flights to the Caribbean. He said months of diplomacy, meetings and research had led to false expectations, but added it was "time to move on".

 

 



Related News Stories:  



 

profileimage

Linsey McNeill

Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk



Most Read

Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns

James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel

Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination

Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics

Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy

Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene

Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee

Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail

Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats

Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence

Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy

Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
TRAINING & COMPETITION

Our emails to you has bounced travelmole.com Or You can change your email from your profile Setting Section

Your region selection will be saved in your cookie for future visits. Please enable your cookie for TravelMole.com so this dialog box will not come up again.

Price Based Country test mode enabled for testing United States (US). You should do tests on private browsing mode. Browse in private with Firefox, Chrome and Safari