Jamaica spends big for Olympics

Jamaicans fans at Jamaica House in London celebrate Jamaica's performances on the track during the London Olympics. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Mon, August 20, 2012 - 11:00 AM

The government says it spent £1 million on activities to capitalise on the London Olympics and celebrate Jamaica 50.

But the government is seeking to assure the money will translate into new business investments and boost to tourism.
Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeil and Investment and Commerce Minister Anthony Hylton today outlined some outcomes of activities undertaken by the government during the period of the games.

On the tourism side, McNeill said thousands of visitors and hundreds of travel agents and tour operators flocked to the Jamaica House site with at least one leading UK travel website reporting a 53 per cent increase in enquiries about travelling to Jamaica.

The tourism minister said following negotiations two major UK travel industry players Virgin Holidays and TUI have signed off on flights which will see a total of 36,000 new seats from major UK gateways to Montego Bay next year.

For his part, the investment and commerce minister said a total of 13 investment leads were secured and are currently being pursued in key sectors such as ICT/Business Process Outsourcing.

Hylton further said that highlighting of Jamaican products generated an estimate £100,000 or nearly $14 million in retail sales with further enquiries from businesses for more Jamaican items.

He disclosed that the showcasing of Jamaica’s cultural industries has resulted in a major global awards show now actively considering Jamaica as a location to host the event.

The investment and commerce minister said the minister remains in active discussions with potential investors in other areas and expressed optimism that these may come to fruition later down. (Jamaica Gleaner)