the falmouth model - hospitality jamaicahospitalityjamaica.com/epaper/20141203.pdf“the falmouth...

2 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014

Carl GilchristHospitality Jamaica Writer

ST ANN businessman MarinoMafessanti believes that thedevelopment of the Falmouth

pier in Trelawny has failed toprovide the expected jobs andother economicbenefits to thetown.

“The Falmouthmodel has failed,”Mafessanti told aGleaner Editors’Forum in OchoRios lastWednesday.

According to Mafessanti: “Wehave failed to have anaccommodating way to have gueststravel comfortably from ships toattractions.”

One of the grouses that hasemerged from cruise passengersthat disembark at the Falmouthpier, is the extended time theyhave to spend travelling the longdistances to attractions in theneighbouring parishes of St Ann orSt James.

Trelawny has very fewattractions to delight visitors, anddespite the pier being opened forseveral years now, there has been afailure, on the part of both theprivate and public sector, todevelop additional attractions inthe town or even the parish.

As a result, townsfolk are notgetting the desired benefit ofhaving a port that is capable ofhosting some of the world’s biggestcruise liners.

Falmouth resident, Brian Elliott,while expressing disappointmentthat Falmouth is not benefitingfrom the pier, believes the model isnot yet a complete failure.

“I think it is failing,” Elliott toldThe Gleaner last Friday. “And it’svery disappointing.”

“There is no direct benefit to theresidents of Falmouth because thetown is being bypassed. The pier isused primarily to sell tours outsideof Falmouth,” he argued.

“On a typical ship day, all thehustle and bustle is of busesshipping out the tourists to otherparishes. You can’t tell it’s a shipday by just looking at the townbecause there is hardly any activityrelating to tourism outside of thepier.”

“I think the real benefit is theperception that Falmouth isbenefitting from the pier, so whatwe have now is more peoplebuying premises in Falmouth. Butin terms of employment because ofthe pier, there is nothing likethat. Added to that, there is

hardly any local-based businessthat benefitseither. It is reallydisappointing,” helamented.

The Ocho Riospier lost out big

when the Falmouth pier openedaround four years ago. Severalships changed their itinerary,cutting off Ocho Ocho at theinclusion of Falmouth. However,last month, Ocho Rios wasvoted the Caribbean’sLeading CruiseDestination,sparking hopethat it willlead toincrease inarrivals atthe port.

FILE

The Falmouth Cruise Pier.

NORMAN GRINDLEY/CHIEF

PHOTOGRAPHER

Marino Mafessanti, director,St Ann Chamber of

Commerce.

MORE THAN 12 groups, as wellas representatives of some 14media organisations from NorthAmerica and Europe, will betravelling to Negril this year forthe annual staging of the ReggaeMarathon, Half Marathon and10K on Saturday, December 6.

Now in its 14th year, theReggae Marathon eventcontinues to attract overseasparticipation and impressiveinternational media coverage,which, according to race director,Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, is duemainly to “the strong overseasmarketing support of our mainpartners PUMA Running and theJamaica Tourist Board, and thesuccess of our own digitalmarketing and new look andmore user-friendly website, whichfacilitates effective onlineregistration for both local andinternational entrants”.

The groups and media, whichhail mainly from the UnitedStates of America and Canada,also include representatives fromSweden, Germany, Belgium, theUnited Kingdom and Japan.

With more than 91 membersstrong, the US group, ReggaeRunnerz comprises the largestoverseas contingent at this year’sevent, and they will celebratewith a balloon release at theNegril Tree House hotel to marktheir Reggae Marathonparticipation. Other groupsinclude: Quicksilver Striders,Run NYC, Yellowbird ReggaeRunners, Easy Skankin, Andre’sCrew and Black Girl’s Rum &Reggae from the USA, as well asReggae Rebels, Running Girlzand Runners Mark from Canada.

They will also be joined by twoCanadian teams that run forcharity; Lace Up for Liver fromthe Canadian Liver Foundation,and Joints In Motion from theArthritis Society.

“A number of these groups arenot only repeat visitors, butcommitted Reggae Marathonparticipants as reflected in theirnames,” said Francis. He alsoadded, “Some have also chosento support the community, andthis year, for example, BlackGirl’s Rum & Reggae will bedonating supplies to the childrenat the Negril All-Age School.”

ESTABLISHED MEDIA OUTLETS

“Reggae Marathon will also becovered by a number ofestablished and respected mediaoutlets and magazines includingRunner’s World from Sweden,Runner from Belgium, Get OutThere Magazine and Ottawa LifeMagazine from Canada; Spiridonfrom Germany; the UnitedKingdom’s Running Fitness aswell as the Los Angeles Times,Competitor Magazine, Women’sHealth and Women’s Runningfrom the United States ofAmerica,” said Francis.

He indicated that a number ofthe media personnel will also beparticipating in the event, whichmeans, “They will not only beobserving from the sidelines, butwill be active on the course. Thiswill help them to tell their storiesfrom the perspective of someonewho was involved in the race.”

A number of local corporategroups and other teams have alsoregistered to participate in theevent.

The Running Girlz of Canada.

Overseas groups, media for Reggae Marathon

The Falmouth modelhas failed – Mafessanti

THE LOCAL economycontinues to receive a majorboost from billions of dollars

which are currently flowing intothe island through investment inthe tourism sector.

Minister of Tourism andEntertainment Dr WykehamMcNeill has indicated that“current investment in the industrystands at some $35 billion. This isin keeping with a growing demandfor rooms to satisfy the increasinginterest in the country as apreferred tourist destination”.

Following a tour with McNeill offour tourism investment sites inMontego Bay, Trelawny and OchoRios on the weekend, Minister ofFinance and Planning Dr PeterPhillips expressed delight with thedevelopments and theircontribution to the Government’sgrowth agenda.

The locations visited on the tourincluded the Hyatt Ziva and HyattZilara resorts in Montego Bay,Royalton White Sands Resort inTrelawny, the Ocho Rios CruiseShip Pier and the Moon PalaceJamaica Grande Resort and Spa.

RIGHT DIRECTION

With more “world-class brandslining up to enter the sector”, DrPhillips said this was “proof that weare heading in the right direction”.He added that “what we have seenhere in Ocho Rios, as well as inMontego Bay and Trelawny, is thatthere is tremendous employmentpotential in the tourism industry”.

It was outlined that over 1,000construction workers are nowtoiling round the clock to have theluxurious Hyatt Ziva and HyattZilara resorts ready for a softopening soon. An additional 600permanent staff is already on thejob. General manager, CarlHendriks, said that figure will bedoubled when the hotel is in fulloperation giving guests “servicefrom the heart”.

The hotel’s parent company,Playa Resorts, is spending someUS$150 million to transform theformer Ritz Carlton property withthe addition to several newfeatures, including an additional193 rooms.

In Falmouth, the ministers weregiven a guided tour of the formerTrelawny Beach Hotel, which hasbeen extensively transformed intothe Royalton White Sands.Resident manager, Alexander

Arias, said occupancy was now at100 per cent and this wouldcontinue into the upcoming wintertourist season, which begins onDecember 15.

Dr Phillips then got a first-handview of work being done by theMinistry of Tourism andEntertainment through theTourism Enhancement Fund (TEF)and other stakeholders, to renovatethe Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Pier andadd amenities in the resort town tobenefit both locals and visitors.

MISSION TO TRANSFORM ‘OCHI’

Dr McNeill pointed out that thisinvestment was being made by boththe private sector andGovernment. “Over the last year,we embarked on an initiativebetween the TEF, the PortAuthority of Jamaica and theUrban Development Corporation,and we’re working on a projectwhich will transform Ocho Rios.”

It was also outlined that theMoon Palace resort is set to openits doors in January 2015 and over2000 construction workers areengaged in the refurbishing of theformer Sunset Jamaica Grandeproperty. The hotel, which has over700 rooms, is being developed intoan elegant resort with Jamaican

hotelier, Clifton Reader, as generalmanager.

In a bid to retain valuablemembers of the original workforce,the new operators have kept some500 employees on their payrollduring the hotel’s temporaryclosure. More than 100 workershave also been sent to Mexico fortraining. The hotel will eventuallyhave 1,200 permanent employees.

Dr Phillips noted that, “Alongwith other developments whichmay come later, what we’re seeingis the extent to which the recoveryof competitiveness in the Jamaicaneconomy, which has resulted fromour economic reform programme, isdriving a new wave of investment,generally. We are in an early phaseof this process, and if the earlyphase looks as encouraging as wehave seen today, then we can onlyimagine the tremendouspossibilities which will exist for thecountry as a whole.”

He was particularly encouragedthat “almost every one of theinvestors and operators that wemet with has expressed an interestin expanding beyond their existingproperties, which, again, is anindication of the real prospects thatawait Jamaica as we complete thiseconomic reform programme.”

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | 3WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014

CONTRIBUTED

From left: Hyatt Ziva Director of Sales Mureen James showsministers Dr Peter Phillips (centre), minister of finance; and DrWykeham McNeill, minister of tourism and entertainmentdrawings of the two resorts, Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara, whichare to open early December.

General manager of the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Resortand Spa, Clifton Reader (far right), is emphatic as he points outthe luxurious features that are being constructed to transformthe Ocho Rios hotel for its January 2015 opening. Obviouslypleased are (from left) Minister of Tourism and Entertainment DrWykeham McNeill, Minister of Finance and Planning Dr PeterPhillips, and executive director of the Tourism EnhancementFund, Clyde Harrison.

Tourism investments a majoreconomic boost – Minister


Claudia GardnerHospitality Jamaica Writer

WHEN CVM Television startedairing the Royal Palm Estatesoap opera 20 years ago, little

did they know that the programmewould have become a prime contributorto the international promotion ofJamaica’s tourism product.

“CVM went on the air in 1993, andone year later, we put on the pilot andran the series. The house that we shootat is in Runaway Bay – Belair GreatHouse,” executive chairman,Mediamix, the show’s producer, LennieLittle-White explained.

“The whole property, 3,000 acres thatthe Government took over in the timeof land lease, and we happened to haveaccess to the Great House. So, comingfrom Kingston, we used to drive downevery weekend on a Friday, filmSaturday and Sunday and sleep in the

house with mattresses all over theplace.

“And it was a kind of pioneeringspirit, because CVM had just started – Iwas one of the original three peoplewith CVM – and we made acommitment that we were going to doquality Jamaican programming. Sothere was a kind of enthusiasm wherepeople didn’t mind roughing it ... threepeople would sleep in a bed, et cetera,then we would pack up in everybody’scar and drive back to Kingston,” headded.

Little-White said as time progressed,the show’s crew and cast of theprogramme (now The Blackburns ofRoyal Palm Estate), began to yearn formore sophisticated accommodations.

“People wanted to be treated a littlebit better than roughing it out withmattresses on the floor. Luckily, PaulIssa, who is a part of the Couples(resort) family, had been in the show

from year one and we approached hisbrother, Lee Issa ... we showed themhow we could position the hotel andshow off its attributes,” he said.

“So when they agreed to that, wefound a way to always have somebody(in their role) staying in the hotel. Andso it started with Breezes, Couples, andthe different Superclubs properties;then Sandals got involved. People inKingston, like The Jamaica Pegasus andTerra Nova, were very supportivebecause we had, for example, ministersof Government having secret affairs –our own scandals – and they wouldcheck into these hotels,” Little-Whitetold Hospitality Jamaica.

Over the years, the programme hasfeatured other hotels in Kingston,including The Knutsford Court,Morgan’s Harbour, Courtleigh,Strawberry Hill, the former WyndhamKingston, Hotel Four Seasons and theLiguanea Club. In Ocho Rios, the

PHOTO BY CLAUDIA GARDNER

Beth Hyde, who plays the role of The Blackburns’villianess, Julia Blackburn, goes through her linesahead of a scene at the great house.

‘ROYAL PALM ESTATE’:

20of promotingJa’s tourismproductY

EA

RS

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Carol Campbell-Williams, who plays the role of Jennifer Chambers,enjoys a bubble bath at the Royalton White Sands in Trelawny.


The Royal Palm Estate Great House.

Executive producer of ‘The Blackburns of Royal Palm Estate’, Lennie Little-White, watches as a scene is shot at the Great House.

Make-up artist and hairstylist MichelleClarke prepares Diane Clarke, who playsthe role of executive chef Tiffany, for ascene at the Royal Palm Estate GreatHouse recently.

RIGHT: Jennifer Chambers (Carol Campbell-Williams)and Richard Blackburn (Adam Hyde) relax in the lazy

River at the Royalton White Sands.

PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA GARDNER

Actress and production assistant Marguerite Tulloch isall smiles after a day’s worth of work at the Great House,on the set of ‘The Blackburns of Royal Palm Estate’.

former Jamaica Grande, Crane Ridge,Hermosa Cove, and in Montego Bay, theIberostar Suites and Sunflower Villas, GranBahia Principe in Runaway Bay and theRoyalton White Sands in Falmouth,Trelawny.

“We moved from hotel to hotel – the dealis, we come to the hotel for a week, so wewrite scenes for that particular hotel. After aweek, we leave the property and go to the(great) house, but we still stay at the hotel.So we do a reconnaissance where we comeand see the important things the hotel wantsto show off – so if they want to show offtheir, their spa, or their mani and pedi, foodor kids’ village, we write it into the script,and show them,” Little-White toldHospitality Jamaica.

CUT COSTS

He added that this was how they were ableto cut down on costs, “We could set thescenes in a hotel room and we do a trade offwith the hotel in terms of the exposure thatthey are going to get. The hotels lendthemselves for romantic scenes, so we try notto show anything negative from within thehotel.”

According to him, the cast is shot in thevarious restaurants and his production teamis able to show the customer relations byhow they are greeted at the front desk and inthe dining room.

“So after a while, it caught fire, everybodywanted us to be at their property,” he added.

Over the two decades that the programmehas been running, Royal Palm Estate hasfocused on showcasing Jamaica in a positivelight, incorporating the best of the island’stourism offerings and excluding anythingthat could be damaging to the product.

“I have said to people, we might show poorpeople, but we never show poverty; we don’tshow any zinc fences. So it has a kind ofglamour ... we show Montego Bay airportwith all the gloss and the fancy things andthe Kingston airport; we show shopping ...we have gone to the best attractions such asDunns River Falls, Mystic Mountain andDolphin Cove,” he said.

The live streaming of the show on theInternet, which has attracted aninternational audience, is a feat with whichLittle-White is particularly pleased. He saidmany of the hotel’s house counts haveincreased due to Internet streaming.

“When people realised it was beingstreamed live around the world, many ofthem became far more positive, because theJamaicans who watched the show in Londonand New York or wherever were now seeing,”Little-White said.

The show he said, mushroomed, and nowthat it has a wider international audience.

“It has always been shown overseas, but ona selected basis – in Barbados and Trinidad... because it is now on the Internet, thesame time you see it here, you can watch itanywhere in the world, so it has a muchwider audience,” he stated.

Little-White said the success of the showhas been incredible, “We have not had onehotel that does not want us to come back.”


THE CARIBBEAN’S award-winning tourcompany, Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, isset to celebrate its five-year partnership withJUTA with the launch of an exciting programmeof activities designed to strengthen theirrelationship and heighten standards throughoutthe country.

The programme, scheduled to commence nextyear, will incorporate a new awards scheme,enhanced customer service training, tour visits, aswell as an inter-regional domino tournament.

In 2009, following the launch of Island Routes,JUTA landed the lucrative deal to transport gueststo the company’s extensive range of localexcursions and airport transfers which includesclients such as Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts,Grand Pineapple Resorts, the Hyatt Group, Bookitand Air Canada Vacations.

Don Smith, Island Routes’ VP of Airport andTransportation, commented, “Our group’s strategicalliance with JUTA has been a fruitful one andcontinues to grow and strengthen with time. Froman operational standpoint, it is imperative that ourguests are transported efficiently, reliably andsafely, and with JUTA beside us, we can beconfident. We believe this new programme ofactivity will further heighten the experience ofthose that visit these shores and keep themcoming back time and time again.”

ISLAND ROUTES GROWTH

Since its launch, Island Routes has grown fromstrength to strength and with it, its partners such asJUTA. It is estimated that JUTA currently moves99 per cent of Sandals’ guests from the airport usingalmost 60 buses per day, as well as 90 per cent of allother clients who use Island Routes.

“The more business we get, the more businesswe put their way, it’s that simple. As a Jamaicancompany, it is extremely important to us that thetourism dollar doesn’t just trickle down to the manon the street, it flows. We believe that thispartnership continues to deliver on that promise.JUTA drivers are a crucial part of tourism inJamaica; they’re often the first person visitors

remember when they arrive, and the last whenthey depart.”

A fully licensed tour operator since inception in2009, Island Routes now boasts over 200experiences, providing over 200,000 last yearthroughout Jamaica, including the recentlylaunched River Bumpkin Farm in Trelawny. Nextmonth, scores of JUTA, MAXI and JCAL driverswill attend a day retreat courtesy of Island Routes.

Adam Stewart, chief executive officer of SandalsResorts International, commented, “Our partnershipwith JUTA is one based on mutual respect, and Iwould like to publicly thank them for their effortsthis past year. 2015 is set to be our biggest year yet,and we couldn’t ask for better partners to approachit with. Their professionalism and willingness toinvest in their equipment and in the development oftheir people is much the same as our own andensures that standards are consistently surpassed.”

“Last year at Sandals, we spend spent over $720million on transfers and tours and I’m proud thatthis level of investment continues to not onlybuild their supply chain, but through the JUTAassociation, creates hundreds, if not thousands, ofJamaican business owners and entrepreneurs.”

Established in 1974 when tourism in Jamaica hadstarted to gain momentum, JUTA has grown toboast over 3,000 members across the countrysupported by an expert team made up of mechanics,body shop technicians and administrativepersonnel, ensuring the best service possible.

Charles Myrie, president of JUTA’s Ocho RiosChapter, added, “This has a huge impact on ourmembers and the positive spin-offs areimmeasurable. Thanks to our nationwide networkbuilt up over the last 40 years, no one can move asmany passengers the way we do at JUTA, but it’snot about volume for us. It’s about the high levelof quality, personal care and attention to detailthat we possess within our fleet. This relationshipstarted many years ago when Sandals ChairmanGordon ‘Butch’ Stewart gave us a chance with oneof his hotels in Negril, and almost 30 years later,we handle 99 per cent of all Sandals’transportation needs.”

David JessopContributor

EARLIER THIS year, one ofmy colleagues bookeda villa holiday in a

coastal resort in Europe.She was late in doing so andwas surprised when justwhat she was looking forappeared online andavailable. It was on thewebsite of what she thoughtbelonged to a reputablecompany; one known acrossEurope for representing ownerswishing to rent out their properties.

She was pleased with the priceand duly made the reservation.However, she then received anemail from the alleged companysaying that as it was a late booking,full payment would be required tothe owner’s account, so she dulymade the transfer.

A few days later when noconfirmation or documentation wasforthcoming, she called thelegitimate company concerned,only to discover that the villa hadbeen fully booked for more than ayear. Not only had she logged on toa copy of the legitimate website, butunaware, had transferred thousandsof dollars to a criminal operationengaged in internet fraud.

CYBERCRIME TARGET

I note this as increasingly, tourismhas become the target of ever-moresophisticated cybercrime. This isbecause criminals recognise thattravellers seeking their dreamvacation are more prone to makingrapid, emotionally led buyingdecisions without thinking aboutwhether, for example, the site theyhave logged onto is legitimate or not.

According to US and Europeanpolice forces, vacation-related fraudis growing rapidly, with thosecommitting the crimes using fakewebsites, false advertising, bogusphone calls and email scams.Related research shows thatfraudsters are most likely to targetthose booking airline tickets,seeking package holidays –especially those related to sports orreligion – or self-catering villas andapartments. There is also a growingnumber of fraud connected withonline applications for foreign visas.

In the Caribbean, anecdotalevidence seems to suggest that this

has the potential to become asignificant problem. Although thereis some public awareness of, for

instance, fictitious cruiseoffers, larger hoteliers,tour operators and banksare more inclined toquietly reimburse ratherthan allow their publicimage to be damaged.

However, in contrast,awareness of the danger ofInternet fraud is havingan effect on smallerCaribbean properties or

those offering specialist services.This is causing them to have toreassure potential customers thatthey are logged on to a legitimatesite, can proceed to purchase insafety using their credit card, andinforming them what should bedone if they are in any doubt.

Over the past decade, theCaribbean tourism sector has,become reliant on digitalcommunications for everythingfrom sales, their day-to-day in-house operations, stock control, thelink to the financial services centresthey use, and for their dailycommunications.

Despite this, not manyCaribbean hoteliers haveconsidered their financial orlogistical vulnerability, let aloneundertaken a full professionalaudit in this area.

Moreover, few Caribbeanjurisdictions have the necessarylegislation, regulations orinfrastructure to addresscybercrimes, making it punishableto violate a network. It is also farfrom clear whether regional lawenforcement agencies have thelegal cover or capacity to co-operate with external lawenforcement agencies in this area,given that most cybercrimes areextraterritorial in their effect.

Borderless Internet fraud andcybercrime have become the fastestgrowing form of criminality.

Despite this, Caribbeangovernments, companies and policeforces have yet to fully understandthe threat this poses to tourism, anindustry which professionals agreeis now dominated by the need forconstant connectivity, and whichhas become dependent for itssurvival on being able to marketand sell online.

JUTA transports guests from Island Routes’ clients such as Sandals Resorts, BeachesResorts, Grand Pineapple Resorts, the Hyatt Group, Bookit, and Air Canada Vacations toseveral local attractions.

JESSOP

THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM

Cybercrimes – a threatto Caribbean tourism

HIGH FIVES! Island Routes, JUTA celebrate milestone

ADVERTISEMENT HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | 7WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014

8 HOSPITALITY JAMAICA | 9WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014

AFTER SEVERAL riveting presentations by animpressive cadre of local, regional andinternational experts, the sixth staging of the

Tourism Outlook Seminar (TOS 2014) has been hailedby participants as a tremendous success.

The seminar was hosted by the Ministry of Tourismand Entertainment, the Jamaica Tourist Board and theTourism Enhancement Fund in association with theUnited Nations World Tourism Organisation(UNWTO).

The seminar seeks to enable tourism partners to shareideas, examine best practices and discuss strategies foradvancing tourism. Staged from November 20 to 21 atthe Montego Bay Convention Centre the seminar washeld under the theme, Tourism: Enhancing Social andEconomic Impact. It attracted more than 250 delegates,including a wide cross section of tourism stakeholdersincluding hoteliers, owners of attractions, governmentofficials and university students.

Veteran hotelier and general manager of Sunset BeachResort & Spa, Evatt Bloomfield, considered the seminara success, citing that it was “quite instructive andinformative”. He got from it “information that I thinkwas very enlightening, which certainly will help me as ahotel manager in looking at various aspects of myoperations, such as access to market channels”.

He noted that a critical consideration was the sessionon disaster risk management. That session titled TheManagement of Natural and Manmade Crises had apanel of experts that included the executive director ofthe Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management

Agency, Jamaica’s Ronald Jackson; assistant US attorneyfrom the Department of Justice, Jared Strauss, whofocussed on cybercrime; emergency and crisismanagement expert, Miguel Rico Diener and theCaribbean Tourism Organisation’s communicationspecialist, Johnson JohnRose.

While commending the panellists, Bloomfield said,“While many of us have been treating with these issuesover the decades and have it ingrained, it’s always goodto have a fresh perspective as we become more aware ofand in tune with not only the challenges, but thechannels that are best used in mitigation.”

Independent consultant, tourism educator andadjunct lecturer at the University of the West Indies,UWI, Western Jamaica Campus, Margaret Lawrencesaid, “As someone who has been in tourism for so long, Ithink this has been a very interesting seminar with lotsof information, lots to take home, I am really very happythat I came.”

For UWI Mona student, Rochelle Gordon, “it wasreally informative” and fellow student, Kay Williams,agreed, adding, “It was a good seminar; it wasinformative.”

She was particularly interested in the presentation byUNWTO regional director for the Americas, CarlosVogeler on Enhancing Competitiveness through TravelFacilitation.

“I leant a lot about the aspects of data being collectedby them, how it relates to the Caribbean, and how theministry here can use that data to better inform theirmarketing strategy,” she said.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

President of theJamaica Hotel andTourist AssociationNicola Madden-Greigholds the attention ofAlvaro Valeriani (left),regional vice-president,sales and marketing atHyatt HotelsCorporation; and CarlosVogeler, a director at theUnited Nations WorldTourism Organisation.They were attending theopening of the 2014staging of the TourismOutlook Seminar, heldat the Montego BayConvention Centrebetween November 20and 21.

Sustainable tourism expert Dr Donald Hawkins (left) engages Caribbean Tourism Organisationsenior specialists Winfield Griffith (centre) and Johnson Johnrose in a conversation during theopening of the 2014 staging of the Tourism Outlook Seminar, held at the Montego Bay ConventionCentre between November 20 and 21.

Jason Hall, deputy director at the Jamaica Tourist Board, withresponsibil i t ies for cruise shipping, and Carole Beckford, f i lmcommissioner at JAMPRO, in discussion during the closing session of the2014 Tourism Outlook Seminar.

Communications specialist, Marline Stephenson-Dalley(left), accepts a pictorial book of Jamaica from SandraScott, deputy director of tourism at the Jamaica TouristBoard. Stephenson-Dalley was the emcee at the closingsession of the 2014 Tourism Outlook Seminar, held at theMontego Bay Convention Centre between November 20and 21.This was the sixth convening of the event inJamaica. It is geared towards positioning the region’stourism product to take better advantages ofopportunities in the marketplace.

Carlos Vogeler, a director at the United NationsWorld Tourism Organisation, addressesattendees at the opening of the 2014 TourismOutlook Seminar.

Grammy award-winningproducer Winston Harriott(left) with tourism expertsRobert Singerman(centre) and CarlosVogeler. They were at awelcome dinner lastWednesday at theMontego Bay Yacht Clubto mark the start of the2014 Tourism OutlookSeminar, which was heldat the Montego BayConvention Centre onNovember 20 and 21.

State ministerin the Ministry

of Tourism andEntertainment

DamianCrawford (left)

and PulseEntertainmentCEO Kingsley

Cooperperuse a

section of the‘Tourism

Reader for theCaribbean’.

LEFT: Presenters at the 2014 Tourism Outlook Seminar,held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre betweenNovember 20 and 21, Johnson Johnrose (left),communications specialist at the Caribbean TourismOrganization, and Dr Donald Hawkins, tourism specialist,unwind at the close of the seminar.

Director of Tourism Paul Pennicook (left) and CliveForbes, general manager at Caribbean Airl ines(Jamaica), in a brief discussion during the opening of the2014 Tourism Outlook Seminar.

Tourism expert, Dr Donald Hawkins, reasonswith the audience during a question and answersession at the opening of the 2014 TourismOutlook Seminar.

Deputy director of tourism SandraScott presents a gift package toWashington-based tourism expertDr Donald Hawkins after he madehis presentation at the opening ofthe 2014 Tourism Outlook Seminar.

Tourism OutlookSeminar hailedas huge success


THE JAMAICA Tourist Board (JTB), inpartnership with British Airways,treated some of the United Kingdom’s

(UK) top-selling travel agents to an all-inclusive familiarisation (FAM) trip to Jamaicafrom September 10-15. The trip highlightedthe best of the island’s tourism product. It alsoshowcased the new North-South Highway,which takes visitors who land in Kingston toOcho Rios in around 90 minutes.

The FAM trip allowed the group of sevenJamaica travel specialists to be updated on allthe latest developments as the groupparticipated in site inspections at severalproperties, including Couples Tower Isle,Sandals Grand Riviera and Half Moon, ARockResort.

The new section of the highway hascreated a shorter journey time for travellersarriving in Kingston on a British Airwaysflight while simultaneously making it easierfor travellers in Montego Bay and Ocho Riosto experience all the arts and culture thatthe capital has to offer. This expansion of theroad network is great news for visitorslooking to explore Ocho Rios and experiencesome of Jamaica’s must-visit tourist spotssuch as Mystic Mountain, Dunn’s River Fallsand Dolphin Cove, whether they are stayingnearby or to the south of the island.

This group of travel agents were the firstfrom the UK to experience the new North-South Highway. Floyd Walcott, fromSackville Travel said, “I have travelled toJamaica many times before, but this was myfirst time on the new highway. I wasimpressed that the new route made our tripfrom Kingston to Ocho Rios much faster,and the panoramic views from the highwayadded additional enjoyment to the journey.This route is quicker and more comfortable,but my travel clients who like to stop at theroadside stalls can still enjoy the originalroute if they choose to.”

Since May 2014, the JTB has hosted fourFAM trips to the island for the UK and hasfurther trips planned for 2015.

To register on the Jamaica travel specialistonline training programme, visitwww.jamaicatravelspecialist.co.uk. Formore information on Jamaica, visitwww.VisitJamaica.com.

A number of participants, including director of tourism, PaulPennicook (front), seized the opportunity to ask pertinent

questions of the presenters. TOS was held at the Montego BayConvention Centre from November 20-21.

Creating opportunities to boost our creative industries

Carole Beckford (left), film commissioner/manager, CreativeIndustries, JAMPRO, engages the audience as she responds toquestions during Tourism Outlook Seminar 2014. Beckford wasa panelist who presented on the topic, Opportunities forPartnership with the Entertainment and Creative Industries.

Tourism minister hostsindustry partners at

Tourism Outlook Seminar

Minister of Tourism andEntertainment Dr Wykeham McNeill(left) was the consummate host for

a special welcome dinner forspeakers of the recently convened

Tourism Outlook Seminar (TOS)2014. His guests included Carlos

Vogeler (second left), directorexecutive secretary of Member

Relations and regional director forthe Americas, United Nations World

Tourism Organization; andProfessor Don Hawkins (right),

chairman and principal, SolimarInternational; and Mrs Hawkins

(second right). They represent theslate of eminent academics and

tourist industry professionals whoaddressed attendees at the two-

day TOS event. TOS is coordinatedby the Ministry of Tourism and

Entertainment and the JamaicaTourist Board, with funding from the

Tourism Enhancement Fund.

JTB, BritishAirwaysshowcase Jato UK’s topagents


Karrie WilliamsHospitality Jamaica Writer

SINCE CHILDHOOD, JessicaWhyte has always had a passionfor being in the kitchen. So it

was only natural that after studyingfor a degree in international relationsat the University of the West Indies,Mona, she headed straight back toher first love.

“As far back as I can remember, Ihave always loved being in thekitchen, a trait which I can definitelysay I inherited from my mother andmy grandmother ... readingcookbooks was a must, of course, asalso experimenting in the kitchenwhere I developed a special penchantfor baking,” Whyte told HospitalityJamaica.

Serious about taking her love ofcooking to the next level, in 2013,Whyte enrolled at the HEARTCollege of Hospitality Services inRunaway Bay, St Ann, to pursue anassociate degree in food preparation.Now on the final leg of her studies,Whyte is currently serving as a foodand beverage intern at the Hanover-based Round Hill Hotel, which iswhere Hospitality Jamaica got theopportunity to observe her at her craft.

Living by the mantra, “food is my

paint, the frying pan my brush, andthe plate my canvas, and with these Imake edible masterpieces,” Whytehas for many years carried on herown baking business, which even sawher earning the nickname ‘BettyCrocker’, after the famous Americancook, during her tenure at university.Her products, comprising chocolatechip cookies, oatmeal cookies, miniOreo cheesecakes and spicedplantain tarts, were favourites of bothher lecturers and fellow students.

EAGER TO LEARN

Whyte has earned the admirationof countless persons who havebecome acquainted with her culinaryskills, the latest being Hilary Stewart,Round Hill’s director of food andbeverage.

“Jessica is very enthusiastic andshe’s eager to learn. She’s doing quitewell, we’ve actually had her onfunctions where we have flambéstations, so she’s learning how tointeract with the guests whilepreparing items ... she’s a very goodcandidate, and if this is what shewants to do, she’s going to go veryfar,” said Stewart.

Whyte, who said she was greatlyinspired by her mother, Karen Weir,

sees the culinary arts as one of themost sustainable industries, and assuch, suitable for a happy andprofitable career.

“Food is dynamic, ever evolving,sexy, fluid, and interchangeable. Itcan represent so many things for somany people, it can be culture, it canbe anything! The best part is thatpeople will always need to eat, so it’ssustainable. Who could ask for abetter career? I’m grateful that Godhas blessed me with a passion thatcan be profitable,” she said.

The budding chef hopes to achievethe distinction of being named WorldMaster Chef, following in thefootsteps of her culinary idols, chefsGordon Ramsey and Oji Jaja.

“Professionally, I am inspired bychefs Gordon Ramsey and Oji Jaja.Both of these amazing chefs, thoughdifferent, focus on taking food in itssimplest, most natural forms andserving it with no fuss or superfluousadditions.

“Round Hill embodies thismentality, sophisticated simplicity,and I consider myself incrediblyfortunate to be granted theopportunity to do my workexperience at such a world-classhotel,” she said.WHYTE

Awardees at the recently held Round Hill Hotel & Villas 2014 Long ServiceAwards. It was a celebration of a collective 555 years of outstanding andimpeccable service to the vision, mission and policies of the resort coupledwith extremely hard work. It was a modish mixture of housekeepers, front officeagents, stewards, tennis pros the kids club co-ordinator, and the fitnessinstructor, who have proudly earned their awards to augment to the rich historyof the hotel. Posing with the awardees are Josef Forstmayr (front row, right),managing director; Omar Robinson (front row, left), general manager; andNathalie Saunders (back row, right), director, human resources and training.

From left: Tracy Christie-Smith, chief financial officer; Josef Forstmayr,managing director, who was awarded for 25 years of service to the Round HillHotel and Villas; Hillary Stewart, director, food & beverage; NathalieSaunders, director, human resources and training; and Omar Robinson,general manager. The occasion was the Round Hill Hotel Long ServiceAwards ceremony held recently at the Resort where Josef received his awardfrom Nathalie Saunders for 25 years of committed and transformationalleadership service to the development of Round Hill Hotel & Villas. Membersof his executive team shared the achievement.

From cool officeto fiery kitchen

JESSICA WHYTE:


Paul H. WilliamsHospitality Jamaica Writer

ON 63 acres at John’s Town,St Thomas, there is TheSource Farm Foundation

and Learning Village, a place wherethe preservation of theenvironment and the holisticdevelopment of its residents are theessence of life.

“This multicultural,intergenerational, self-sufficientvillage is committed to naturalliving, holistic health andspirituality, ecological and socialstewardship, educational sharing(learning and teaching),” is howThe Source Farm textualises whathappens there.

One of its main features is aterraced farm on which onlynourishing, organic substances areused.

The property’s vegetation is lush

and is the habitat for many speciesof birds.

There is also a stream and asmall waterfall. Coconut trees andlemon grass are in abundance.From various points, cloud-coveredmountains and sections of the StThomas coastline can be seen. Andthe weather is cool and relaxing.

“The Source Farm provides ahealing retreat for residents andguests, and a spiritual sanctuary forthem to experience serenity andtranquility,” Nicola Shirley-Phillips,one of the partners at Source Farm,told Hospitality Jamaica sometimeago.

In this place of great tranquility,the destruction and pollution of theenvironment is strongly prohibited.Everything is done in considerationof the environment. The intentionis that it is “an innovative modelcommunity that is dedicated to TOP: A breathtaking view of a section of the St Thomas coastline from the Source Farm

Ecovillage.

PHOTOS BY PAUL WILLIAMS

Volunteer Shireen Noort of Holland wiping sweat from her brow while harvesting fever grasson the Source Farm in John’s Town, St Thomas.

Holistic living at St Holistic living at St Thomas’ eco-village


LEFT:The school at Source FarmEcovillage in John’s Town, StThomas.

The Source Farm eco-village in John’sTown, St Thomas, is an intentionalcommunity. It’s about living in harmonywith the members of the communityand the environment. Everything isdone with a purpose and afterconsultation with communitymembers.

PHOTO BY PAUL WILLIAMS

A ‘bubble’ house underconstruction at the SourceFarm Ecovillage.

BELOW: An eco-friendlyhouse at the Source FarmEcovillage at John’s Town, StThomas.

respecting and restoring Mother Earth”,Shirley-Phillips said.

Even some of the structures, such asearth-bag houses, are built with theenvironment in mind. The earth-baghouses are made of soil-filled bags, whichare encased by mesh wire and a layer ofconcrete. Some rooms are lit up in thedays by ceiling-embedded light tubeswhich reflect the sun’s rays.

There are also beams made of coconuttrunks and bamboo, and other woodfixtures. All of this fits into the wholenotion of environmental preservation,and the building of eco-friendly, cost-effective structures. Rainwater is storedand purified for domestic use, whileelectricity is partially generated by windturbines.

While there are facilities toaccommodate visitors and guests, theFarm is essentially a residentialcommunity in which lots can be leasedfor 99 years.

“At the core of the Source FarmFoundation and eco-village ... is family,and The Source Farm is currentlyseeking some new members to join ourfamily. We are seeking responsible adultswho share the vision of stewarding theEarth, being ‘solutionaries’, assisting toguide our next generation to a fullunderstanding of who they are ... ,” TheSource Farm said.

INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY

These new members ought to knowthat The Source Farm is an intentionalcommunity, which means it’s aboutliving in harmony with the members ofthe community and the environment.Everything is done with a purpose andafter consultation with communitymembers. Decisions concerning thetreatment of the environment, thedisposal of solid and human waste, andother matters that impact theenvironment are based on consensus.There is a protocol for communicatingwith one another, and how meetings areconducted. Decisions are made at thesemeetings.

There are also conflict resolutionprotocols Shirley-Phillips said. “We havecreated processes by which we can livethrough in good times and bad times.We will foster personal growth anddevelopment and empower ourcommunity to be ambassadors of naturaland progressive living.”

“The Source Farm Foundation andeco-village learning community has, sinceits inception in 2005, evolved into adynamic, creative and innovative modelcommunity that is pursuing sustainableliving. This outcome is grounded inorganic and natural farming, communitydevelopment initiatives and a variety ofapproaches directed at improvingpersonal, intra and inter-personal andcommunity relationships,” the SourceFarm said.

Some 12 adults and children live onThe Source Farm.

The Source FarmFoundation and eco-village

learning community has, sinceits inception in 2005, evolvedinto a dynamic, creative andinnovative model communitythat is pursuingsustainable living.

“

”

Paul H. WilliamsGleaner Writer

OF ALL the years I’ve beentravelling around theisland, I think this one has

been the most exciting yetchallenging, so far. Exciting becauseI finally got the opportunity to goto places I had always dreamt ofvisiting, and I was challenged bysome rugged terrains. Most of itunfolded in the parish of Portland.

There were poignant as well asexhilarating moments, ones that Iwill never forget, so today, I amreflecting on the abandoned wildhog hunt; my crossing the sea onfoot from Folly Ruins to Monkey

Island; hiking to Sambo Hill;canoeing on the Blue Lagoon andaround Princess Nina Island; thebrutal trek to Old Nanny Town;the tour of Stewart Town,Trelawny; and the ancestral wail atSligoville, St Catherine.

The year started out excitinglywith the prospect of catching wildhogs in the hills of Bangor Ridge,Portland. My colleagues and I


This is the type of landscapeHospitality Jamaica writerPaul H. Williams and somecolleagues who went to huntwild hogs in January wereprevileged to view. Afterdescending a dangerousridge for two hours, theyturned back.

PHOTO BY PAUL WILLIAMS

The road to Old Nanny Town in the Blue and John CrowMountains is rugged and brutal to the uninitiated trekker.

One of the many oldbuildings in Stewart Town,Trelawny.

This man, called ‘Cricket’, guided Hospitality Jamaica writerPaul H. Williams one dark Friday night in June down therugged terrains of Sambo Hill, Portland.

What a yearit has been!

AROUND JA WITH PAUL H.

After 10 hours of walking, I refused to go any further, and slept at a riversidein despair, utter misery, with my big toes burning.

arrived at the point of departure at 4a.m. when it was pitch black. Wewaited until five when it was stillpitch black, but the young hunterswith whom we were going wereeager, and like sure-footed mountaingoats, led us down narrow, ruggedledges in the dark. When daylightrevealed what I was walking atop, Iwas scared out of my wits.

After all the trepidation, whenwe reached a dry riverbed in a verynarrow valley. Our excitement wasshattered as we were told we had ahillside to climb up and another todescend. That was it! We chose notto go farther. The real hunterscontinued on their quest. Then therains came, making our return on

the ledges more dangerous. Iclawed, scrambled and rolled backto the top, where we waited forhours for the hunters to return.When they did, they actually had ahog, portions of which I devouredeventually for all the trouble itcaused me. Never again.

Never again also was what I saidafter returning from Sambo Hillnear Charles Town in Portland. Afilm crew and I had gone there toget footage. The paths for the mostparts were rocky and rough. It wasa steep climb through thedisgusting scent of rotting mangoes.At the top, the views were to diefor; the Portland northern coast tothe left, and the valley with

interlocking spurs and ameandering river to the right.

But on the way back, nightcaught me, and had it not been fora man called ‘Cricket’, I wouldperhaps have had a different storyto tell. Cricket, who lives on thehill, joined the crew when he heardus calling some people who took awork path. When I saw him, I feltlike I had known him for years,even embracing him. It turned outhe was the one to guide methrough the dense, dark nightwhen everyone else had long gone.

Never on another rugged trip Iwould venture, I had told Cricket.

Yet, only a week after, I was toundertake the most brutal trek in mylife. It was to Old Nanny Town, inthe Blue and John Crow Mountains.Nothing seriously prepared me forthis super-mountainous landscape onwhich I huffed, puffed, cussed,collapsed, hyperventilated, swore,slid on my backside down stonypaths, scaled down a rope, walked onledges, trembled on precipices, andstruggled up steep inclines.

SLEPT AT A RIVERSIDE

After 10 hours of walking, Irefused to go any further and sleptat a riverside in despair, uttermisery with my big toes burning.Yet, the trek and those idyllic daysat base camp near a refreshing riverare one of the things I will alwaystreasure. The big toenails, whichfell out a week after the perilousquest, I will keep for posterity.

Speaking of posterity, I will alsotell my grandchildren of howpleasantly surprised I was, when Icame upon Stewart Town inTrelawny. I was on my way to Alps,

another Trelawny district, when Istumbled upon this place thatlooks like it was in a time warp. Ithas more old buildings thanmodern ones: ancient graves andruins and historical points ofreference. That is a place I mustrevisit.

I am not sure I will revisit the oldslave house in Sligoville, StCatherine. In this the first freevillage in Jamaica, I had a strangeexperience on my way to visit thehouse. Being led by a resident, Icouldn’t pass a certain tree. As Iapproached it, a wail welled up inmy gut. As much as I tried to keepthe scream in, I couldn’t, and it waswhen I released it under the tree, Iwas able to move on. What wasthat? Goose pimples!

But the most psychologicallydaring thing I have accomplishedin my entire life was crossing thewaist-high sea from Folly Ruins toMonkey Island, once owned by thefamily that built the Folly mansion.Even now I believe I am dreaming.For a non-swimmer who has amorbid fear of deep seas, it wasinsane.


On his way to see this old slave house in Sligoville, StCatherine, earlier this year, Hospitality Jamaica’s Paul H.Williams had a very strange moment under a mahoe tree.

Returning from MonkeyIsland, off the Port Antoniocoast, on foot earlier this year.

The Blue Lagoon in Portlandis one of the mostmesmerizing spots in allJamaica.

But the mostpsychologically daring thing I haveaccomplished in myentire life was crossingthe waist-high seafrom Folly Ruins toMonkey Island ... .

We waited until five when it was still pitch black, but the young hunters withwhom we were going were eager, andlike sure-footed mountain goats, led usdown narrow, rugged ledges in thedark. When daylight revealed what Iwas walking atop, I was scared out ofmy wits.

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE GLEANER COMPANY LIMITED • 7 NORTH STREET • KINGSTON • JAMAICA

ON WEDNESDAY,November 19, TheSpanish-Jamaican

Foundation (SJF) again joinedforces with the Ministry ofEducation to recognise parents ofchildren from early childhoodthrough to the secondary levels,who, through their actions, haveclearly demonstrated their fullcommitment to the holisticdevelopment of their children.

Each year, 24 parents who haveshown outstanding parenting skillsare selected from the Ministry ofEducation regions across theisland. These parents, along withtheir families, are hosted at aluncheon by one of the SJFmember hotels. The ceremony hasbecome a highlight of NationalParent Month activities.

COMPLIMENTARY HOTEL PASSES

The awardees are not only feted,but they also receive passes forcomplimentary visits to fourworld-class Spanish Hotels andSJF member companies: GranBahia Principe Clubs and Resorts,Iberostar Hotels and Resorts, RIUHotels and Resorts, and GrandPalladium Resort and Spa, hostsfor this year’s ceremony.

SJF general manager DrRebecca Tortello explained that,“At the SJF, we believe thatpositive parenting should becommended whenever possible.As a result, we are pleased toonce again show support andrecognition for these parents whoput their children first and work

to create strong links betweenhome and school.”

SJF president, AmbassadorAníbal Jiménez in one of his firstofficial duties representing thefoundation, acknowledged incongratulating the parent awardeesthat “thoughtful and responsibleparenting is extremely difficult and

should be commended wheneverpossible. This is why thefoundation is happy to host thisevent every year, and we againcongratulate the Ministry ofEducation on working to elevaterecognition of parenting as animportant factor in nationaldevelopment”.

The SJF was established in 2006to foster partnerships betweenSpain and Jamaica througheducational, cultural,environmental and communitydevelopment initiatives. To learnmore about the SJF, please visitwww.spanishjamaicanfoundation.org.

ST LUCIA’S storied Anse Chastanet resorthas been recognised as the best-valueexperience in the Caribbean for the NewYear.

Recognition of St Lucia’s iconic resort isembedded in the 2015 Conde Nast JohansensAwards for Excellence, created toacknowledge, reward and celebrateoutstanding hotels in the high-end sector.

“We know we have something reallyspecial for discerning travellers, and we arepleased that both travellers and sellers oftravel have given us the thumbs up,” saidKarolin Troubetzkoy, executive director ofAnse Chastanet.

She also reported that sister resort, JadeMountain, received top honors in the Bestfor Romance category.

The annual Conde Nast Johansens Awardsfor Excellence are a trusted mark of quality,recognised by luxury consumers and travelprofessionals alike.

The winners and finalists were determinedby the combined results of online voting,guest feedback and local expert reports.

According to its website, “The colourfulAnse Chastanet on St Lucia oozes romancethroughout its airy open-plan spaces.Perched at different heights on the hillside

down to beach level, Anse Chastanet is thecreation of architect owner, bon viveur andeco-warrior Nick Troubetzkoy who came toSt Lucia in the 1970s and never lookedback.”

The Conde Nast Johansens websitecontinues, “Vibrant interiors are dressed withjolly Matisse-inspired paintings and Nick’sbeautiful designs pay homage to the island’scurvaceous volcanic landscape such as the

blossom festooned balconies that lean intothe stunning scenery.”

Also recommended were the resort’s PADIfive-star scuba centre, miles of hiking andmountain biking trails to explore within the18th Century plantation which is part of theresort’s 600-acre estate. Invigorating couplesmassages, yoga, bird-watching, non-motorised water sports, walking, hiking andtennis are all available at Anse Chastanet,while guests benefit from a variety ofrestaurants offering Caribbean fine dining,vegetarian, East Indian-Lucian fusion and arelaxed beachside grill. The resort also has aprivate helipad.

From the publishers of Vogue, GQ,Traveller and Glamour, Conde NastJohansens is a leading reference guide forindependent travellers. Whether searchingfor a luxury hotel, spa, country house,boutique retreat, celebratory venue orsomewhere by the beach, Conde NastJohansens provides inspiration andassistance in finding the perfect place forevery occasion.

For bookings at Anse Chastanet, call 1-800-223-1108, email [email protected], or visitwww.ansechastanet.com.

The colourful Anse Chastanet in St Lucia.

Group awardees with Ambassador Aníbal Jiménez Abascal and Spanish-Jamaican Foundation general manager, Dr RebeccaTortello.

The SJF supports National Parent Awards

Anse Chastanet named Best Value in Caribbean Luxury

the falmouth model - hospitality jamaicahospitalityjamaica.com/epaper/20141203.pdf“the falmouth...

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