Garwin Davis, Gleaner Writer

International celebrities have been showing up in droves at Dolphin Cove - a swimming with the dolphins facility in Ocho Rios, St. Ann - resulting in Jamaica receiving some positive reviews in the United States and European markets.

Over the past several weeks, the attraction has been featured on a number of United States TV channels, including NBC, VH1, CNN and TNT. In the case of VH1 and CNN, there has been a significant number of reruns reaching a viewing audience of millions worldwide.

Greg Anthony, a former National Basketball Association (NBA) star, who is now a basketball analyst for TNT, described his visit to Dolphin Cove as, 'a wonderful experience'. "I will certainly be back," he said. "This was simply breathtaking."

Wrestler turned actor Hulk Hogan was equally excited. "I am just thrilled to be here man," he quipped.

WELCOME GETAWAY

Actor Martin Lawrence, whose film credits include a supporting role in Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing, said the Dolphin Cove experience was a welcome getaway from all the hustle and bustle in Hollywood and promised he would be back. "This is a first rate facility that could hold its own anywhere on the world stage," he said.

Joe Issa, CEO of the Cool Group of Companies, said it was natural that the country has been receiving a lot of positive press overseas, saying "the networks are always interested in what celebrities are doing."

"When Dolphin Cove or any other tourism entity is featured on one of the popular networks, Jamaica benefits from the fact that the feed will also be reaching a worldwide audience, including the much sought after European market," Mr. Issa said.

American comedian Sinbad also described his experience as 'breathtaking', saying he always has a good time whenever he's in Jamaica. The Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning was no less ecstatic. He said he only wished he could spend more time at the facility, saying "this has been wonderful and certainly one of the more relaxing times I have had in years."