Monique Hepburn, News Editor
DE RUITER
WESTERN BUREAU:
GERMAN LIFESTYLE tour operator, Wim de Ruiter says Jamaica can join the ranks of destinations such as Barcelona and Paris by adding art to its tourism marketing strategy.
With more than 30 years experience in tourism management internationally, Mr. de Ruiter is currently meeting local artisans and Jamaica Tourist Board officials to develop Art Jamaica, an event that will showcase the work of artisans to an audience of individual and corporate buyers, collectors and tourists.
The event is slated for November 2006 in Jamaica with a follow up in Germany in 2007.
"Art is a big trend in Europe now with major cities such as Barcelona and Paris going the road of art," Mr. De Ruiter told the Financial Gleaner recently. "There are big opportunities for investing in art tourism because it targets elite markets such as rich corporations and individuals."
Mr. de Ruiter contended that local artisans are under-pricing their work and greater benefit could be derived if their works are showcased to high-income buyers.
"Art Jamaica would give them a platform to highlight and profit from the roots of Jamaican creativity." He said he was seeking to copyright the Art Jamaica concept.
