Harding

Western Bureau:

The Jamaica Tourism Board (JTB) will take an entertaining twist in showcasing the island's attractions with the addition of a Tourism Village at the three-day Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay that kicks off tomorrow.

The concept of the Tourism Village, according to deputy director of tourism, Zachary Harding, is to provide a comfortable atmosphere where information can be easily accessed by all the tourism partners.

"The concept is driven by the Jamaica Tourist Board really representing the tourism industry," Harding said. "Instead of having our partner set up an individual booth with all of the amenities, we decided to have this Tourism Village where we can enjoy each other's company in one space."

For promoting Jamaica

This is the first time the JTB has created a Tourism Village at the festival. The need for this effort, according to Harding, is to continue promoting the 'Destination Jamaica' brand, which involves accommo-dation, ground transportation, attractions and travel agents.

The tent, Harding revealed, would be at least four times bigger than the regular tents and a mixture of disco and live performances is expected to add a unique twist to the JTB's marketing plan.

However, the 13th staging of the Jazz and Blues Festival encountered a major roadblock when the St James Parish Council issued stop orders on the erection of temporary structures at the venue.

The situation was averted over the weekend when Walter Elmore, executive producer of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, met with Mayor of Montego Bay, Charles Sinclair. After the meeting, Turnkey Productions, producers of the show, settled the additional license fees after which the St James Parish Council lifted the stop order.

Art of music

The festival, themed 'The Art of Music', will include performances by Estelle, Lionel Richie, Atlantic Starr, Lou Gramm, 14-year-old Canadian sensation Nikki Yanofsky, The O'Jays, Robin Thicke, Chicago, Maxi Priest and several others.

The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival takes place at the Aqueduct, Rose Hall in Montego Bay between Thursday and Saturday. Ticket prices range from US$80 per night, US$155(Friday and Saturday) and US$235 (season pass). VIP upgrades cost US$20 (Thursday), US$40 (Friday and Saturday) and US$60 (season).