MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – (JIS) Director of Tourism and Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), John Lynch, has said that the annual Jazz and Blues festival “is very essential” to Jamaica’s tourism sector, in terms of bringing visitors to the island at a time of the year, when there is usually a slowdown in arrivals.
“January, traditionally, is a very challenging month for the tourist industry and you need events like this to draw people to set you apart from the competition,” he stated.
Mr. Lynch, who spoke to JIS News at the opening of the festival at the Aqueduct in Rose Hall Thursday evening (Jan. 22), said that every area of the industry stands to benefit from the staging of the event. He said that the JTB is pleased to be a major sponsor of the festival.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rowan Locke, a Jamaican living in the United States, who is in the island for the festival, said that the event is good for Jamaica’s tourism, as it brings together persons from around the world for a great island experience.
Director General in the Ministry of Tourism, Carrole Guntley, exchanges thoughts with a member of the Jamaican Diaspora, Dr. Rowan Locke at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival.
Several government officials, including Minister of Tourism, Ed Bartlett, and Director General in the Ministry, Carrole Guntley, were among the thousands of locals and visitors to the island, who witnessed the world class performances on the opening night of the show.
The three-night festival, which ends on Saturday, January 24, features quality local and overseas acts performing a wide mix of musical genres, including jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, Caribbean, world music, Latin, country, and the cornerstone of Jamaican culture, reggae.
In addition to the music, the event offers delicious Jamaican and international cuisine in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere and showcases the work of artisans from all over the island.
