Hope Gardens in St. Andrew is now house to the fourth Jam-Iconic Expertise, an initiative of the Tourism Product Growth Firm (TPDCo).
The Jam-Iconic Expertise signal was unveiled by Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, on Tuesday (June 10).
The house options aluminium framed lettering spelling ‘HOPE’, with plant inserts, a platform to the rear of the construction, a forecourt plaza, an in-situ kerb wall, two planter packing containers and accent lighting.
As the most important public inexperienced house within the Kingston metropolitan area, Minister Bartlett mentioned Hope Gardens is a becoming location for the fourth Jam-Iconic expertise and can function greater than an alluring landmark.
“It’s a image of renewal, a celebration of our heritage and a strong software in our technique to reinforce our vacation spot’s attraction,” he mentioned.
Mr. Bartlett emphasised that the initiative aligns with the Authorities’s imaginative and prescient to place Jamaica, not simply as a vacation spot however as a narrative – an expertise to be embraced first-hand.
“An area like this, wealthy in flora, layered in historical past and beloved by locals, is a chance to deepen our product providing within the Kingston vacation spot space,” he mentioned.
The Minister famous that tourism shouldn’t be merely about customer numbers and occupied rooms but in addition nationwide satisfaction, shared areas and experiences that go away a long-lasting impression.
“Right this moment, we deepen that influence, not only for worldwide company however for our individuals – for the youngsters who will play right here, the {couples} who will marry right here and the artists who will discover inspiration right here. That’s why we’ve got been preaching that tourism is for everybody,” Mr. Bartlett mentioned.
TDPCo Govt Director, Wade Mars, described the Jam-Iconic Expertise as one of many firm’s proudest initiatives, emphasising its position in creating Jamaica’s tourism product in an genuine, inclusive, and provoking method.
“This isn’t signage… it’s extra symbolism. That is place-making. It’s about creating landmarks that join individuals to their tradition, to their historical past and their satisfaction,” he mentioned.
Mr. Mars famous that Jamaica’s parks, gardens and cultural areas are highly effective components of the island’s tourism product.
“I encourage each Jamaican to see this house as a photograph op and a reminder that we stay in a rustic price celebrating; and after we superbly protect our areas, we’re not solely investing in tourism however we’re investing in group, our identification and satisfaction,” he mentioned.
TPDCo handed over gardening instruments to help with the signal’s upkeep and inked a Memorandum of Understanding to undertake an space on the 237-acre park.
The opposite Jam-Iconic Experiences are situated at Foreshore Street in Falmouth, Trelawny; the Sangster Worldwide Airport roundabout in Montego Bay, St. James; and in Negril, Westmoreland.
The Jam-Iconic Expertise is designed to focus on Jamaica’s wealthy cultural and historic heritage by way of iconic landmarks and immersive storytelling.
The mission entails the set up of visually putting indicators and storyboards at key places, providing each locals and guests a deeper connection to Jamaica’s historical past and identification.
