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Small Hotel to reap Benefits at JAPEX

Published:Tuesday | April 19, 2016 | 12:37 PM
Rudolph Brown
Nicola Madden-Greig (centre), president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, chats with vice-presidents from left: Marilyn Burrowes, Camille Needham, Omar Robinson and Vanna Taylor at the organisation’s appreciation media luncheon at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Tuesday, April 12.

The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) has entered into a partnership with Appliance Traders Ltd (ATL) and Hardware and Lumber Limited for a renovation giveaway at this year's Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX).

One small accommodation JHTA member (a property with less than 100 rooms), will win free renovation valued up to J$1,000,000 in technical assistance, products and services. The announcement was made following the official launch of JAPEX on Tuesday, April 12.

"Every year, we try to bring something new and exciting to JAPEX. This year we wanted to give the small accommodations in particular something impactful that would help with their brand's positioning and marketability," said Nicola Madden-Greig, president of the JHTA."

"ATL in conjunction with Hardware and Lumber, offers some of the best and most sought-after products and services on the island. As such, it was a natural fit for us to partner with them for this activity through our seminar."

seminar opportunities

The seminar will provide small and medium hotel property owners an opportunity to learn how to redesign spaces on a budget. There will be particular focus on common areas and key operational departments such as the lobby, kitchen and outdoor spaces. The seminar is Friday, April 29 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. It is one of four free seminars being hosted at JAPEX for its members.

"It is really important that we showcase to the smaller properties the wide variety of options available in support of their renovation projects," said Donna Doran, CEO of Hardware and Lumber.

"We are pleased to be able to share our knowledge and expertise as it will equip small investors and operators with the necessary tools to generate the most value from their properties. This will assist in their thrust to build brand Jamaica."

sector growth

Small hotel properties account for 35 per cent of rooms in Jamaica. According to reports by the Jamaica Tourist Board, the small accommodation sector has grown by just more than seven per cent in 2014 compared to 2013, and greater growth is anticipated once the final numbers are calculated for 2015.

This growth is anticipated to continue in 2016 and beyond, as the needs of visitors for alternative accommodation increases.

- C.L.