Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett (centre) leads the Hartfield Folk and Cultural Group and industry stakeholders towards the luncheon area at the Bahía Príncipe Hotel in Runaway Bay to officially launch the Tourism Service Excellence Programme on Friday.- photo by janet silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:

AGAINST THE background of more than three months of turmoil in the tourist industry, Jamaica's stopover arrivals recorded unprecedented growth, making the one-millionth mark in the first half of 2008.

The country also topped its tourism earnings, in excess of US$1 billion (J$72 billion), Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett told stakeholders at the launch of the Tourism Service Excellence Programme (TSEP) at the Bahía Príncipe Hotel in Runaway Bay on the weekend.

This is the first time the island has received so many visitors by mid-year. The last time the country came this close was during the record year of 2007.

challenges

But while the stopover arrivals are up, the challenges remain with cruise-shipping arrivals, which have declined, the tourism minister admitted. He, however, revealed that despite this reduction, the cruise-passenger's spend was up by 14.5 per cent as a result of the number of added attractions, moving from US$83.00 to US$95.00 per person.

In the case of the land-based business, visitor spend has moved from US$105 per person per day to US$110. "There are higher price points and the people are spending more," Bartlett stated.

Displaying optimism about the prospects, Bartlett noted that the overall performance of the tourism sector, in the face of aviation woes and other negative factors, the number-one foreign exchange contributor, was still on track to maintain its growth, while achieving record arrivals and earnings at the end of the year.

improved service

Bartlett, however, noted that the projected increase is predicated on improved service excellence.

"Our destination is being distinguished by the service we offer, which is more important than the accommodation and even the uniqueness of our attractions," he stated.

The minister's comments were complemented by chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Robert Russell, who said that with the launch of the TSEP, the country was embarking on an exciting nation-building programme.

"Every worker, at every level of the service process, is accountable for managing the guest experience ... This is the expectation of the Tourism Service Excellence Programme."

He added: "The clincher for any repeat visitor is always the experience that creates the memory. We must all strive as we go for excellence, to ensure the experience, and guarantee the memories of our visitors."