Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the newly established artisan village in Falmouth, Trelawny, continues to play its position as a transformative initiative that’s revitalising the city and boosting its attraction to guests.
Chatting with JIS Information on December 5 on the Falmouth Pier, through the inaugural cruise ship go to of the Disney Treasure, Mr. Bartlett mentioned that guests to the artisan village are repeatedly impressed by the wide range of Jamaican-made merchandise, and with every store providing “a special style of the island”.
“The top objective is for the power to considerably improve the period of visitor stays, offering Falmouth with a brand new lease on life. The developments we’re witnessing in Falmouth, significantly with the artisan village, aren’t simply helpful for the native economic system; they function a mannequin for different resort cities throughout Jamaica,” Mr. Bartlett mentioned.
He additional famous that with the proper initiatives, the cities have the potential to evolve into premier points of interest that may draw vital vacationer site visitors.
The artisan village, which opened in March of this 12 months and showcases native crafts and culinary delights, was designed to create a “vibrant environment” the place residents and vacationers can work together and share within the island’s wealthy cultural choices.
“The thought is to foster an area the place each residents and guests can mingle beneath one roof, having fun with the very best of Jamaica’s tourism merchandise,” the Minister defined.
Mr. Bartlett emphasised the significance of inclusivity in tourism, arguing that for the sector to succeed in its full potential, unusual Jamaicans should have a voice within the business.
“Nowhere is that this extra evident than within the artisan village,” he mentioned, highlighting how the initiative empowers native artisans and entrepreneurs.
He mentioned that as Falmouth continues to evolve as a key vacation spot in Jamaica’s tourism panorama, the perpetual imaginative and prescient for a extra built-in and community-focused strategy could set a precedent for future developments in different resort areas, guaranteeing that the advantages of tourism are felt by all.
“With the artisan village on the forefront, Falmouth is poised to change into a shining instance of how native tradition and tourism can intersect to create a extra sustainable and enriching expertise for each guests and residents alike,” Mr. Bartlett added.
For his half, Disney’s Regional Public Affairs Director for The Bahamas and the Caribbean, Joseph Gaskin, praised the artisan village for its genuine choices and its vital contribution to the native tourism product.
“What is evident is that the artisan village, a vibrant hub of creativity and tradition, has rapidly change into a must-visit vacation spot for vacationers looking for a real Jamaican expertise with out having to go away Falmouth. Guests can now get pleasure from a full day of leisure, buying, and cultural experiences proper at their fingertips,” Mr. Gaskin identified.
He additional emphasised the significance of the artisan village.
“It’s a testomony to the wealthy cultural heritage of Jamaica. It isn’t only a market; it’s a celebration of artistry and craftsmanship. Guests can have interaction with native artisans and take house real Jamaican crafts, creating lasting reminiscences that join them to the island,” he added.
Government Director of Jamaica Holidays (JAMVAC), Pleasure Roberts, instructed JIS Information that the village “gives an genuine slice of Jamaica that vacationers can absolutely have interaction themselves in”.
“It permits them to discover our native tradition, style conventional meals, and buy distinctive souvenirs that replicate the spirit of Jamaica. This holistic expertise retains guests in Falmouth longer, benefiting our native economic system and enhancing their vacation,” she added.
