Tourism minister pleased with entertainment offerings

MINISTER OF Tourism Edmund Bartlett has said he is pleased that entertainment is being taken seriously by hoteliers and other tourism entities, citing it as an important value-added component of the industry.

According to Bartlett, it is clear that a lot more thought is being given to ways to enhance the experience of the guest, with entertainment high on the list of offerings.

“What is being offered to the guests today by way of entertainment is a far cry from what we used to see in the past. It is very refreshing to see the level of creativity and the quality shows our visitors now have at their disposal. What I am seeing today is a better appreciation for the value of entertainment,” he said.

He noted that in his many conversations with hotel general managers and restaurateurs, it is clear that there is a direct link between quality entertainment and guest satisfaction.

“Their own market research is telling them about the value of having a good entertainment package as part of their product offering. If the guest cannot get it at their location, he or she will go somewhere else to find it,” the minister said.

He said Jamaica is known for its music and culture and should, at every opportunity, use that as “a key marketing tool”.

“Many tourists come to this country specifically for the entertainment. That is an undisputed fact that I am happy many of our stakeholders have started to recognise. We have some of the best cabaret performers plying their trade in the hotels night after night, entertaining our guests and being ambassadors for this great nation,” the minister said.