Dear Editor,
Is Montego Bay, as a tourist resort area, aging? I visited Montego Bay twice over the past ten months and my first observation was no different from my second.
These observations surrounded three areas in particular: the airport, 'hip-strip' and the Falmouth to Montego Bay route. My journey to and through these places was neither interesting nor pleasant to my eyes, which may be the concern of other travellers, both residents and visitors.
My main issue with the airport has to do with its external physiographic look. The property was short of depicting a tropical ambience and could do well with additional flora to make it more appealing. This could even transcend into becoming a designated attraction. Some of the buildings on the 'hip-strip' are in need of painting and the route from Falmouth to Montego Bay could be vastly improved.
This is important as research has shown that the physiography of a destination, which speaks its scenery, is the most important attribute for its competitiveness. Likewise, rejuvenation of a destination is important as it does have a life cycle.
Beauty and appeal should not be within the confinements of the hotel properties but should permeate throughout the resort area. I do hope this renowned tourism destination is not being considered a 'cash cow' whereby which it continues to provide the needed revenue, but given little attention in terms of its aesthetic value.
I implore the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Product Development Company, along with the other tourism stakeholders, to have a closer look at Montego Bay and do whatever is necessary to improve and maintain its physical appeal.
Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh
gaunsmar@yahoo.com
Is Montego Bay aging?
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Is Montego Bay, as a tourist resort area, aging? I visited Montego Bay twice over the past ten months and my first observation was no different from my second.
These observations surrounded three areas in particular: the airport, 'hip-strip' and the Falmouth to Montego Bay route. My journey to and through these places was neither interesting nor pleasant to my eyes, which may be the concern of other travellers, both residents and visitors.
My main issue with the airport has to do with its external physiographic look. The property was short of depicting a tropical ambience and could do well with additional flora to make it more appealing. This could even transcend into becoming a designated attraction. Some of the buildings on the 'hip-strip' are in need of painting and the route from Falmouth to Montego Bay could be vastly improved.
This is important as research has shown that the physiography of a destination, which speaks its scenery, is the most important attribute for its competitiveness. Likewise, rejuvenation of a destination is important as it does have a life cycle.
Beauty and appeal should not be within the confinements of the hotel properties but should permeate throughout the resort area. I do hope this renowned tourism destination is not being considered a 'cash cow' whereby which it continues to provide the needed revenue, but given little attention in terms of its aesthetic value.
I implore the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Product Development Company, along with the other tourism stakeholders, to have a closer look at Montego Bay and do whatever is necessary to improve and maintain its physical appeal.
Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh
gaunsmar@yahoo.com
Is Montego Bay aging?
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