WESTERN BUREAU:

An estimated $300 million is in circulation in Negril this weekend as Red Stripe Temptation Isle (RTI) and Appleton Temptation Isle (ATI) stake their claim on the 'Capital of capitals', forecasters have told The Gleaner.

Some 15,000-20,000 revellers, with a strong local component, have converged on the resort town for the four-day annual party, which has taken the spotlight away from the once renowned and profitable student-travel market, spring break.

HIGH OCCUPANCY

Spring break in its early days attracted in excess of 24,000 students from all parts of the United States, who were hosted at mega parties in the resort town from the last week of February to the first week of April. Mainly the small hotels depended on this market, which was a complete failure this past year, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Wayne Cummings, told The Gleaner.

His counterpart, Evelyn Smith, chairman of the Negril JHTA chapter, pointed out that business was booming in the town.

"We are enjoying a very high occupancy of 80 per cent, and in many cases, a number of our hotels were sold out months in advance," she said.

Phenomenal Proportions

According to Smith, the events, which had their beginnings in 2001, have grown to phenomenal proportions and she is convinced that this growth will increase in the future.

She said, "Every villa, every cottage, the small hotels, restaurants and taxi operators, expect to do exceptional business throughout the weekend."

With the asking price for accommodation attracting an average rate of US$150 -$200 per room per night, and season armbands priced at J$11,000 per person, the party weekend has become the most lucrative period for the resort town which boasts nearly 7,000 rooms.