JAMAICAN RESIDENTS are to benefit from a special package of discounted rates being offered by several members of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).
The discounts, as high as 50 per cent in some instances, are being offered in the wake of the recent attacks in the United States of America which, the JHTA says, "Have left many Jamaicans as traumatised as the Americans."
Paul Pennicook, first vice President of the JHTA and chairman of their marketing committee said that the events of September 11 in the USA have caused wide-spread consternation and in some cases, depression among Jamaicans.
"Many of them had relatives or friends who died or were displaced as a result of the attacks. Many others are simply horrified that something like this could happen. We all suddenly feel very vulnerable to the effects of international terrorism," he explained.
Mr. Pennicook said while recent gestures of solidarity of the Jamaican people with Americans were very well received, the JHTA was also "mindful of the need to help Jamaicans de-stress as well".
"The discounted rates are designed to help locals de-stress and relax," he said.
Large and small JHTA-member hotels across the island are participating in the programme. They include: Kingston's Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus with US$99 rate including all taxes and buffet breakfast; Superclubs Resorts whose rates range from US$89 to US$200 per person per night (all inclusive) depending on the property and Doctor's Cave Beach Hotel in Montego Bay whose "weekend get away" of two nights and 3 days with breakfast, all taxes and a cocktail party is J$5,000 single and J$6,400 double. Couples Resorts' "Freedom Weekends" ranges from $18,000 (2 nights) and $25,000 (3 nights).
Round Hill Hotel in Montego Bay is offering a 50% discount on rack rates for bedrooms, Sandals Montego Bay 40% off and Little Pub Hotel in Ocho Rios, 25 per cent off is regular rates.
Other participating JHTA hotels include: Chamelon Sea Castles, Christar Villas, Club Caribbean, Columbus Heights Condominium, Foote Prints on the Sand, The Gloustershire Hotel, Golden Seas Beach Resort, Hotel Villa Bella, Invarcauld Great House and Hotel, Jamaica Inn, Negril Tree House Resort, Ocean View Villa, Reading Reef Club, Royal Reef Hotel, Sam Sure and Legands Hotel, Shaw Park Beach Hotel and Sunflower Beach Resort Villas.
Mr. Pennicook said that locals wishing to take advantage of the hotel discounts should contact them directly.
