Montego Bay to host major travel event despite current state of emergency
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association has confirmed that its annual marketplace will be held in Jamaica’s Montego Bay next year, even though the area is currently in a state of emergency.
It will be hosted by the Montego Bay Convention Centre and will be held in partnership with the Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association and the Jamaica Tourist Board.
A state of emergency was declared in the Jamaican parish of St James, which includes Montego Bay, in January following a spate of shootings in the area. It was recently extended until May 2.
The UK Foreign Office said: "Security operations are ongoing and further activity could occur with little or no notice.
"You should exercise caution if you’re in the area, particularly if travelling at night, and follow the advice of the local authorities, including any restrictions. These may also result in road closures or travel delays, and the operating hours of some businesses may be subject to change."
However, the director of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Frank Comito said Jamaica was ‘synonymous with exceptional hospitality’.
"We look forward to continuing to offer our participants a high quality program to engage with industry peers and promote travel to our region," he added.
Caribbean Travel Marketplace brings together regional tourism businesses with the media and key buyers such as wholesalers, tour operators, OTAs, and meeting planners for several days of meetings and pre-scheduled appointments.
Jamaica’s minister of tourism Edmund Bartlett said: "I am very pleased to announce that Jamaica will once again play host to an important tourism event. It is an incredible achievement for our country and I am certain we will reap significant benefits."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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