Travel Agent - May 12, 2008 - (Page 82)

NEWS IMPACT Jamaica the Latest Caribbean Destination to Approve Casinos CARIBBEAN ABOVE: Artist’s rendering of the upscale Harmony Cove project JAMAICA’S PRIME MINISTER, THE HON. BRUCE GOLDING, announced on April 22 that the government of Jamaica had decided to permit the licensing of casinos. The announcement came during the Budget Debate presentation to the members of the Cabinet and the Minister of State and Parliamentary Secretaries. But despite the decision, Jamaica is not looking to become a casino destination. During an exclusive preopening lunch for tour operators attending the recent Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) in Kingston, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said, “We are looking at the casinos as being a value-added element. Jamaica will never be a casino destination. You will never see Joe Pike CONNECTING YOU For more information on what your clients can see and do in the Caribbean, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/caribbean stand-alone casinos dominating the landscape. We are being very careful in regard to the policy.” He noted, “The qualifier for new projects will be either 1,000 rooms or $1.5 billion in investment, and gaming will be no more than 20 percent of the entire experience. The strategy is to increase the visitor spend.” Bartlett said he has been to Dubai seeking investors for a project in Jamaica that will draw visitors. “We believe Jamaica needs something iconic that makes visitors feel special when they come here,” he says. “I’ve gone to Dubai for investment because they have the Burj Al Arab tower and they are building the Palms, and then the World, and then the Universe.” Agreements with two investors have been approved for major developments involving more than 6,000 new hotel rooms and $2.8 billion in investment. Tavistock Group, already developing Harmony Cove (a large upscale project on 2,300 acres with a total investment of $4 billion to $5 billion and 4,500 rooms), will offer gaming and has agreed to increase the size of its project from 4,500 rooms to 8,500 rooms with an additional investment of $1 billion to $2 billion. These will be configured in a cluster of nine hotels with an array of facilities and amenities. The government has also approved proposals from the developers of the Palmyra Resort and Spa, operating under a company known as Celebration Jamaica Ltd., for a major new investment predicated on the granting of a casino license. This investment involves the development of a 65-acre property adjoining the existing Palmyra Resort at Rose Hall and consisting of 2,080 new hotel rooms. The project will involve a total investment of $1.8 billion. “Jamaica will ensure that best practices are observed and that only reputable companies with proven integrity will be allowed to operate in Jamaica,” says Director of Tourism Basil Smith. “It is the government’s intention to dedicate the revenues from casino operations to a special fund to finance capital development in health, education and security.” When completed, Harmony Cove will feature several luxury resort hotels, with at least 2,000 rooms, a spa and fitness center, several championship golf courses, an equestrian center, a water park and a large-scale marina with shops, restaurants, nightclubs and a wide range of amenities. Preliminary design work for Harmony Cove is already underway and Tavistock Group and Harmonisation Ltd. hope to break ground in 2009. Time will tell what kind of an impact Jamaica’s new gambling laws will have on the destination, but one thing’s for sure: Islands without casinos may soon be something of the past. — JOE PIKE AND RUTHANNE TERRERO 82 | TravelAgent May 12, 2008 http://www.travelagentcentral.com/caribbean

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Travel Agent - May 12, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Europe: Bruges Might be One of Belgium’s Best-Kept Secrets Hawaii: Condo Resorts Provide a Plethora of Vacation Choices Pacific/Asia: Manila has Plenty to Offer Visitors of Every Taste Alaska: Icy Strait Point Offers Authentic Alaskan Adventure Pacific Northwest: Airplane Buffs and Wine Aficionados Enjoy Washington Las Vegas: Let Your Hair Down at Some of these Casual Bars Central & South America: History and Culture Beckon in Guatemala Caribbean & The Bahamas: Recent Renovations Have Made the Westin Aruba Resort a Jewel of the Island Cruises: A New Musical is Making Waves on Disney Wonder San Diego Becomes a Major Cruise Port Cover Story: Top Tips for Selling in a Down Economy Rail Travel: Sightseeing and a Gourmet Meal on the Royal Livingstone Express Hotels: There is Plenty to Do at Ski Resorts in the Summer Tours: Photos from the 33rd Annual Mountain Travel Symposium Agent: Eric Ardolino has Won the Technology War Customer Relations: Ensemble Agents use CRM tools Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Luxury Travel Expo Jamaica Will License Casinos Enormous Cruise Ships are Planned ResortQuest Hawaii Continues to Grow 2008 TMU Conference Recap In the Spotlight Agent Access Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - May 12, 2008

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