Wykeham McNeill, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism and Entertainment

The Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2012 was his first appearance as Jamaica’s new Minister of Tourism and Entertainment. The Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment surely peaked the interest of the media and the general delegates. Unfortunately he was there for only one day, but he gave several interviews to the international press.  

The Jamaica Tourism Board booth at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas, was in very active during the two days of the marketplace. Along with Minister McNeill came Mr. John Lynch, Director of Tourism, Ms. Sandra Scott, Deputy Director of Tourism, Marketing, Mr. Donnie Dawson, Deputy Director of Tourism, Sales and Mr. Tony King, Regional Director Tour Operators and Airlines. The Ministers delegation also included Mr. Lionel Reid, Executive Director, JAMVAC (Jamaica Vacations), Ms. Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director JTB UK and Mr. Philip Rose, regional Director Canada.

What do you think about the opening of the Cuban market to the United States and what benefits could that bring for Jamaica in terms of multi-destination offers?
Well, there are some possibilities. We are interested in that particular aspect because they receive a lot of visitors, especially from Europe. The problem is that the visitors are not exactly the same. We have to create a plan for both countries.

Have governmental relations between Jamaica and Cuba been good?
Yes, they are good.

There is an airlift problem between Cuba and Jamaica, with Montego Bay for example. Is there any chance of having these types of flights increased?
Well, we have to find out what we can do which depends on the prospective arriving visitors.

As for the European market, countries such as Russia are presently strong outbound markets. Is Jamaica–which has been attending fairs in Moscow- planning on carrying out any special actions in order to attract more Russian visitors?
Yes. We think that we have many opportunities in that market.  

Is it another market in which Cuba and Jamaica can work in multi-destination?    
I’m not sure right now. It’s something to be studied and we must establish contacts not only among the governments, but within the private sector.

Spanish investments in Jamaica had its tourism map changed. Is the new Spanish hotel administration good for Jamaica?
I believe it is. I think that we are learning from each other.

SuperClubs Group is presently facing difficult times... Does the Jamaican government think that this group should expand its operations?
Yes, it does. They are a very important brand and I believe that they are doing an excellent job.

Is there any forecast in terms of new European or Spanish hotel investments in Jamaica?
We are not sure yet, but I believe that there are tremendous opportunities. We are very optimistic.

Is there any chance of getting airlift between Spain and Jamaica?
We are always looking for airlift from everywhere. It’s very important. As for the hotels we have in Jamaica, Spain is a very important market.

What is the target European market for Jamaica at this moment?
The three most important markets are the U.S., Canada and UK. Latin America is very important, but we have to work harder. We have some airlifts, but we need much more.

What could be the most important country in Latin America, maybe Brazil?
We are looking at Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Peru and many other countries to boost tourism in Jamaica. We are presently negotiating with Panama because we have to open an airlift, but there are other big markets.