Kingston, Jamaica – Kingston will again demonstrate why it is a popular and ideal location for meetings with the hosting of the first International Community Tourism Retreat, June 20-24, 2008 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. The event, endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is being staged under the auspices of the US-based, International Institute For Peace Through Tourism (IIPT), Countrystyle Community Tourism Network and a number of other local partners.
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett who will officially welcome the international delegates will be special guest at the opening reception on Friday, June 20 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Minister Bartlett who has reiterated on numerous occasions that “the environment is the product” will share his vision and plans for Jamaica’s sustainable tourism development.
President of the IIPT, Mr. Lou D’Amore and CEO of Jakes, Treasure Beach, Jason Henzell will serve as patrons of the community tourism retreat being held under the theme “Tourism Entrepreneurship – Sustaining and Transforming Communities.”
According to Diana McIntyre-Pike, IIPT Caribbean President & Coordinator of the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network, “This retreat will sensitize everyone to the business of community tourism. It will give us an opportunity to present Jamaica’s two-year community tourism entrepreneurship programme as well as the Ministry’s Spruce up Programme to community representatives locally and internationally allowing them the opportunity to interact with established community tourism entrepreneurs.”
Director of Tourism Basil Smith is again pleased that the capital city will have another great opportunity to showcase its vibrancy. “Community Tourism is key to our efforts as the people, culture and customs represent the essence of the visitor experience,” noted the Tourism Director.
To register for the IIPT Community Tourism Retreat, go to our website at www.visitjamaica.com/communitytourism or to obtain additional information contact Danielle Cunningham at consec@cct-jamaica.com or Diana McIntyre-Pike at countrystyletourism@yahoo.com.
