OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA – The multi-million dollar renovation of the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Terminal is now complete and already visitors and local tourism interests are benefiting from the work done by the relevant authorities.
The rehabilitation of the facility includes the upgrading and expansion of the parking area and the renovation of the terminal building.
This will facilitate the provision of better service in a more comfortable environment for both incoming and outgoing cruise ship passengers. It forms part of an overall transformational project, which is funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), and will help to enhance the appeal of the resort town and benefit visitors and locals alike.
The road leading to the marina and the promenade also has a brand new look. The upgrading work on the cruise ship terminal and the adjoining facilities represent the second phase of a $400 Million Ocho Rios Improvement Project initiated late last year by the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, with support from the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ).
The first phase, which was completed in March of this year, resulted in the transformation of the Turtle River Road (from Main Street to the terminal) into an attractive corridor. The road now has a dual lane with one section accommodating the usual flow of vehicular traffic, while the other lane is dedicated solely to safe pedestrian use.
A new feature of the upgraded terminal is improvement in the service for the disabled and elderly. Porters with wheelchairs are now employed by the PAJ to ensure easier movement by these individuals in and around the terminal area.
With the completion of both phases one and two, efforts will now focus on completing works on the promenade and Main Street. The promenade runs east along the coast starting from the port to the Ocean Village Shopping Centre and upgrades along Main Street will target the area from the Ocean Village Shopping Centre back to Turtle River Road and include pedestrian, drainage, aesthetic and similar features.
The promenade will be adorned with small shops to facilitate the sale of food and beverages.
