Janet Silvera, Senior Tourism Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

There are projections that tourism arrivals this summer will be more than that of last year despite the economic downturn in the United States.

Deputy Director of Tourism, United States, Donnie Dawson, made the analysis at the close of the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) at the Hilton Kingston hotel, St Andrew, yesterday.

"The good thing going for Jamaica is the fact that we have new product offerings in the hotel and attraction sector, making us unique among our competition in the Caribbean," Dawson told The Gleaner.

More than 275 representatives of Jamaican hotels, ground handlers, attraction operators and destination-management companies wrapped up two days of meetings with 107 buyers from all over the world during JAPEX yesterday.

Capitalising on travel

Noting that airlines flying to the island continue to grapple with the high fuel cost, Dawson said with well-scheduled air service and fresh products, Jamaica is positioned to capitalise on travel.

But tour operators and hoteliers at the two-day trade show said the island should not start celebrating just yet, as there was cautious optimism going into autumn. "The fall is when I think we will see any brunt from the (US) recession," one travel agent cautioned.

Commenting on the prospects, Randall Russell, senior vice-president of Couples Resorts, said he would become concerned if the number of flights to Jamaica were not increased to meet the expansion of the hotel sector.

Fuel cost drawbacks

A number of destinations have been losing airline seats as a result of the high fuel cost, which has caused many carriers to cut back on their flights. However, Russell said top-end properties would continue to do well, even if there were further flight cuts.

In the last three years, Jamaica has benefited from an influx of Spanish investors, who have added thousands of rooms to the accommodation inventory. There has also been a thrust to upgrade and offer new attractions in the resort towns of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and the parish of Trelawny.