Jamaica targets Christian tourists

Jamaica Observer

Thursday, May 05, 2011

MINISTER of Tourism Ed Bartlett says that the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is to begin aggressively promoting Jamaica as a destination for faith-based tourism.

Addressing today’s press launch of the 2011 Cruise With A Cause mission set to begin on June 1 in Montego Bay, St James, Bartlett said the arrival of the cruise marked Jamaica's entry into faith-based tourism.

"We are always seeking new and innovative ways to diversify and improve the tourism product and faith-based visitors will offer us the opportunity to cater to the needs of a new demographic of tourists," he said.

He added that "some 900,000 religious Americans travel annually and Jamaica must move to attract its fair share of that market.

“We have not been able before now to move towards tapping into that market, and Cruise With a Cause provides the necessary fuel to start the process which could yield several million new tourists, bringing in well needed financial rewards for the country,” he said.

With the opening of the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Jamaica could also host religious conventions and conferences, he added.

"The spin-offs from having over 3000 passengers coming to Jamaica on this cruise will be significant as the group is drawn from several countries and religious groups with a very strong following. The prospects for faith-based tourism in Jamaica look very good," said the minister.

Cruise With a Cause plan will bring 3,000 passengers including religious leaders to Montego Bay. The passengers, who will overnight in the city, will stage a free concert at Dump Up Beach featuring a slate of televangelists and gospel singers including Donnie McClurkin, Casting Crowns, Byron Cage, Tye Tribbett, Jentezen Franklin, and Bishop Paul S Morton.

Members of the group will also distribute school supplies to several institutions across St James, while ministering to various communities and also participate in outreach programmes for students and inmates at several prisons.