- Reggae Sumfest is major event on the international music calendar.
- That this event is in its 24th year is proof that it is one of the world’s premier music festivals.
- The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) estimates 6,000 visitors come to the island for the festival each year.
- It has significantly enhanced Jamaica’s international profile as more and more reggae music fans converge on Montego Bay to enjoy great music in a remarkable destination.
- Reggae music and culture have developed a global appeal from the great works of legendary artistes such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Toots & the Maytals to the more current stars Taurus Riley, Damian ‘Jnr. Gong’ Marley and Shaggy. All of whom have helped build global awareness of brand Jamaica.
- However, we are all aware that reggae and dancehall are more than music; they reflect the heart of the rich cultural heritage of Jamaica. This is why this indigenous music, our heritage, is such an integral part of our tourism product.
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The Five Pillars - Form the blue print to achieve sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
- New markets
- New products
- New investments
- New partnerships, and
- Human capital renewal
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Underscoring these five pillars of growth, are five networks:
- Gastronomy
- Sports and Entertainment
- Health and Wellness
- Shopping, and
- Knowledge
- Entertainment Tourism has tremendous potential and is a key element of our growth strategy. For all the reasons I stated previously Jamaica is a natural for an enhanced entertainment tourism product.
- In the spirit of joined up government we will be working closely with my colleague Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange and her team in better developing the product.
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Other strategies:
- Upgrading venues
- Coordination of established activities/events for the Tourism Calendar
- Promotion of festivals, etc.
- Promotion of Jamaica as an entertainment destination
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Greater collaboration with event promoters and venue managers to package and promote local music events, festivals and live shows to combat seasonality.
- Reggae Sumfest provides this perfect synergy between music and tourism and I commend Robert Russell and his team for their great work in organizing this unparalleled music event year after year.
- I wish you a successful staging this year and for many years to come.
Thank you.
Speech Date
