Dear Editor,
According to the Minister of Tourism Wykeham McNeill, Jamaica has nothing to fear from Cuba. Since the announcement that diplomatic relations would be restored between Cuba and USA, there has been a lot of buzz. Frankly, the timing couldn't be better for Cuba, as tourism in that country has been booming quietly over the years. This, despite the decades-old embargo and ice-cold relationship with USA.
Cuba already has a strong presence in the Canadian market and they attract visitors from as far away as Europe and Asia. Their overseas marketing, especially during winter, is fantastic, ¡Cuba, Si! (Cuba, yes), from social media to subways. Despite economic sanctions, which affect standards in many resorts, their tourism product continues to withstand the test of time, and the appeal is definitely there. With a vibrant culture, rich history, interesting colonial architecture, museums, nightlife, pedestrian-only streets, and beautiful old piazzas (squares), Cuba stand poised to develop tourism even further. Harassment is almost non-existent there with virtually no crime, and Cuba is inexpensive.
Jamaica cannot be complacent. Cuba -- even with the restrictions -- already attracts far more tourists per annum than Jamaica. Ongoing partnership is good, but we must position ourselves better for what is becoming a highly competitive and sensitive global market. Even the cruise ship market is growing, yet we attract few ships to Jamaica. We could do more to highlight Kingston, the capital city, offering visitors something more, the same way Cuba is able to lure tourists out of popular beach resorts such as Varadero to visit the capital Havana even for a day.
I think of Port Royal, boat rides across Kingston Harbour, and the National Gallery, downtown, which always seem so hidden and can be trumpeted. Kingston has potential as a cruise ship stopover, with bus tour links into the city to places like the Bob Marley Museum, Hellshire Beach, the beautiful UWI campus, and Devon House. Security could be enhanced at the port since this will always be a concern. We also have cultural tourism and special events, culinary interests, but we could do lots more to package these together to maximise potential to earn more.
Cubans are hoping, with improved diplomacy, US travel restrictions will also ease, as more Americans become curious. Before the Cuban Revolution, which ended in 1959, the island attracted many rich and famous. Did anyone notice during CNN's New Year's Eve live coverage there was a feed out of Havana showing a festive event there?
Yes, the interest in Cuba goes well beyond tourism too, we can't deny they have done some things right, Cuba has enviable health care, educational and welfare systems and, despite the political issues, most Cubans seem happy and content. In recent years we have also seen moderate changes in Cuba, with private enterprise and capitalism emerging. Yes, Cuba is evolving and Cuba is ready, and so should we. We have to start taking risks and think outside the box. The entire country could benefit greatly if we get this right.
P. Chin
chin_p@yahoo.com
We can't afford to be complacent, Minister McNeill
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According to the Minister of Tourism Wykeham McNeill, Jamaica has nothing to fear from Cuba. Since the announcement that diplomatic relations would be restored between Cuba and USA, there has been a lot of buzz. Frankly, the timing couldn't be better for Cuba, as tourism in that country has been booming quietly over the years. This, despite the decades-old embargo and ice-cold relationship with USA.
Cuba already has a strong presence in the Canadian market and they attract visitors from as far away as Europe and Asia. Their overseas marketing, especially during winter, is fantastic, ¡Cuba, Si! (Cuba, yes), from social media to subways. Despite economic sanctions, which affect standards in many resorts, their tourism product continues to withstand the test of time, and the appeal is definitely there. With a vibrant culture, rich history, interesting colonial architecture, museums, nightlife, pedestrian-only streets, and beautiful old piazzas (squares), Cuba stand poised to develop tourism even further. Harassment is almost non-existent there with virtually no crime, and Cuba is inexpensive.
Jamaica cannot be complacent. Cuba -- even with the restrictions -- already attracts far more tourists per annum than Jamaica. Ongoing partnership is good, but we must position ourselves better for what is becoming a highly competitive and sensitive global market. Even the cruise ship market is growing, yet we attract few ships to Jamaica. We could do more to highlight Kingston, the capital city, offering visitors something more, the same way Cuba is able to lure tourists out of popular beach resorts such as Varadero to visit the capital Havana even for a day.
I think of Port Royal, boat rides across Kingston Harbour, and the National Gallery, downtown, which always seem so hidden and can be trumpeted. Kingston has potential as a cruise ship stopover, with bus tour links into the city to places like the Bob Marley Museum, Hellshire Beach, the beautiful UWI campus, and Devon House. Security could be enhanced at the port since this will always be a concern. We also have cultural tourism and special events, culinary interests, but we could do lots more to package these together to maximise potential to earn more.
Cubans are hoping, with improved diplomacy, US travel restrictions will also ease, as more Americans become curious. Before the Cuban Revolution, which ended in 1959, the island attracted many rich and famous. Did anyone notice during CNN's New Year's Eve live coverage there was a feed out of Havana showing a festive event there?
Yes, the interest in Cuba goes well beyond tourism too, we can't deny they have done some things right, Cuba has enviable health care, educational and welfare systems and, despite the political issues, most Cubans seem happy and content. In recent years we have also seen moderate changes in Cuba, with private enterprise and capitalism emerging. Yes, Cuba is evolving and Cuba is ready, and so should we. We have to start taking risks and think outside the box. The entire country could benefit greatly if we get this right.
P. Chin
chin_p@yahoo.com
We can't afford to be complacent, Minister McNeill
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