As Western Jamaica makes preparations for the upcoming 2010 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, the local economy is projected to earn around US$3 million when the event is staged later this month in Greenfields, Trelawny, according to the Minister of Tourism, Ed Bartlett.

Speaking with Caribbean Business Report last night, Bartlett said: “Last year Jamaica Jazz and Blues was estimated to have brought in US$2.7 million through economic activity. This year we are expecting US$3 million from ticket receipts hotel room bookings and food and beverage sales. The festival is very critical to driving tourism traffic especially during the early part of the winter season. Already we are seeing robust ticket sales and hotel bookings.

“The parish of St James will host three major events this year and the new venue at Trelawny gives promotors an opportunity for some experimentation and creativity.”

According to the Mayor of Falmouth, Collin Gager, this event will provide a well needed boost for business interests in Trelawny.

“We are really happy to be hosting the Jazz and Blues Festival in Trelawny. We are positive that it will boost business activities and hotels, large and small, will enjoy high occupancy,” the Mayor said.

“The Chamber of Commerce has also been giving assistance to ensure that Trelawny is ready for the event.”This is an added event to the entertainment calendar of Trelawny and we are elated and eager to give our support,” he added.

Walter Elmore of Turnkey Productions, producers of the festival said the event is expected to turn over major funds for the parishes of Western Jamaica.

” The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival provides a major boost for St James and the surrounding areas. When you consider that five to six thousand rooms are solidly booked at this time of year it gives one an indication of what the event means to the hotel industry,” said Elmore

Founded in 1996, the festival now attracts an audience of over 30,000 and has solidified its reputation and position as one of the premier events in this hemisphere.

Elmore went on to say that Turnkey’s investment in the festival will result in tangible spin offs for the communities.

“Our investment in Western Jamaica is quite significant and translates into hundreds of jobs, new business opportunities and several other economic and social spin offs. As the producers of the world renowned event, we are happy to know that the festival is contributing to the development of Montego Bay and the country’s overall progress,” Mr. Elmore said.

Mr. Elmore went on to say that the budget for the festival is split almost equally between artiste fees and production costs.

“About 55 to 60 per cent of the budget goes into artiste fees, accommodation and meals for the artistes while 40 to 45 per cent is allotted for production costs,” Mr. Elmore explained.

“Sponsorship accounts for 40 per centof our entire budget,” he added.