ROSE HALL, St James — Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, Celsa Nuno, charged that golf is a key area of the sports tourism market, to which players in the hospitality sector should continue to exploit for the expansion and diversification of the industry.

“The continued success and growth of tourism in Jamaica is greatly dependent on the extent to which Jamaican tourism is able to diversify attractions and offer (and) golf is one of the keys to success,” noted the Spanish envoy.

The Spanish ambassador was speaking Friday night in Ironshore, St James, during the official reopening ceremony of the Ironshore Golf and Country Club. The facility, formerly operated by Super Clubs, has been recently upgraded at a price tag of US$1.5 million (J$130 million) by Montego Bay land mogul Joe Whitter and his wife Angella.

Nuno was quick to point out that the construction of new hotels and the enhancement of tourist infrastructure, such as the renovated airport in Montego Bay and the development of new golf courses positions Jamaica admirably to increase its share of the worldwide golf holiday market.

“The rate of improved golf courses has impacted the amount of newly-established hotels and leisure related resorts. That improves the employment opportunities across the board,” she argued.

Meanwhile, Water and Housing Minister Dr Horace Chang and Ian Neita, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) executive director both shared the Spanish diplomat’s view.

“The upgrading of the Ironshore Golf and Country Club will bring Montego Bay to five fine golf courses that can meet the standard anywhere in the world. By doing that, you (Whitters) are putting us in a position to increase our marketing to bring the golf tourists to Montego Bay and that is something that will increase the attraction,” Dr Chang said.

In her response Angella Whitter vowed that the facility will be maintained at world-class standard.

“Ironshore Golf and Country Club has come a long way… we will strive to be a cut above the rest,” she said.

Wayne Chai Chong, president of the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA), is itching to stage a tournament at the venue, declaring “this association will have some tournaments here in the near future”.

— Horace Hines