Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett Announces New Offerings During Caribbean Tourism Conference
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – An exciting array of new attractions in Jamaica were announced by Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett at the 30th Annual Caribbean Tourism Conference (CTC-30).
Expanding the amount and variety of attractions throughout the destination represents an important focal point of Minister Bartlett’s efforts to increase tourism to Jamaica.
“As Jamaica’s room stock increases, we continue to search to find a means to bring ‘heads to beds.’ Jamaica’s attractions will be key in attracting travelers and we will encourage greater diversity, range and scope of offerings,” said Minister Edmund Bartlett. “Our goal is to offer diversity in our attractions, complementing our natural assets and fully incorporating our unique heritage.”
Jamaica currently offers an abundance of attractions throughout the island, with several scheduled to open over the coming year. One of the most anticipated and newest attractions, opening just in time for the upcoming winter season, is the cultural Outameni experience, which represents an interactive journey through 500 years of Jamaican history.
Attraction Developments – By Region
OCHO RIOS
Ground was broken earlier this year for Mystic Mountain, an attraction to be sited in the Drax Hall area of Ocho Rios. Construction is currently taking place on the attraction, which upon completion will allow patrons to experience rainforest terrain from 700 feet above sea level.
The attraction will feature a bobsled coaster ride, an aerial tramway canopy tour, a Jamaican athletic heritage museum, a water park and other unique offerings. The facility is expected to be completed by May 2008.
At Coyaba Gardens, located just outside the resort town, a new promenade has been constructed with a viewing pavilion, to be named Ysassi’s Lookout, after the Spanish governor who spent his last days at Shaw Park. While observing the natural and quiet beauty of Jamaica’s flora and fauna, visitors can make the trek along the cedar walkway leading to the edge of the 80 foot cliff from which one can appreciate the waterfall on one side and a view of the Ocho Rios Bay on the other.
MONTEGO BAY
For a unique and interactive cultural experience, visit Outameni, located approximately 2 miles from Falmouth, the capital of Trelawny. The hosts will bring the nation’s rich cultural history alive with a journey through time covering periods of Spanish occupation, colonization, slavery, Emancipation and the arrival of indentured laborers. This virtual journey is brought to life by talented performers who sing, act and dance while interacting with visitors. The attraction was officially opened in September.
Jamspeed Rally Experience, the first full-blown performance driving school in the region is located at Spot Valley Entertainment Complex in the Rose Hall area, with its main attraction being the Co-Drivers Experience.
Visitors will be treated to an on-the-limit drive around one of the country’s best dirt circuits from the left seat. In use are a Peugeot 206 GTI/SW, Mitsubishi Evolution III or Subaru Impreza STI V5. These competitive vehicles allow visitors to experience an adrenaline rush as a co-driver in a real life high-speed rally race. The tour is run in both directions of the track and can be lengthened to a 6km stage around the property.
