Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
PORTLAND:
CRUISE VESSEL, Minerva II, visited Port Antonio for the first time, when it docked at the Ken Wright Shipping Pier during inclement weather about 6:30 a.m. yesterday.
On a day when the resort town experienced lingering showers due to persistent rainfall, the European vessel pulled in with approximately 634 passengers and 320 crew members who were, from all indications, looking forward to a funfilled day.
Cynthia Perry, parish manager of the local Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) office said significant progress has been made in reviving tourism at the resort town since the launch of the new tourism master plan for Port Antonio.
"We are on the verge of seeing a resurgence in tourism here," said Mrs. Perry. "Cruise vessels are now beginning to return and the hard work put out by my office, the Portland Parish Council, the Portland Chamber of Commerce, the Tourist Resort Board, along with the business community is now paying off."
STAGE SET
Mrs. Perry said the stage is now set for tourism industry players to maximise their inputs by upgrading their standards, so as to capitalise on the various opportunities which will become available in setting the stage to meet the globalisation of tourism.
Despite the inclement weather, craft vendors, along with representatives from various agencies, turned out in their numbers. They occupied booths along the perimeter inside the Neville Antonio Park, selling a variety of craft items, agriculture produce and beverages.
Various attraction sites also benefited from the cruise ship visit including Rio Grande Rafting - Portland's premier attraction, along with Frenchman's Cove Beach. Navy Island, former home to late Hollywood legend Errol Flynn was the scene for snorkelling, which later paved the way for a beach party at the Ken Wright Pier Beach, after which the vessel set sail about 8:00 p.m.
