ACCORDING to Constantine Hines, hotelier and owner of Corporate Transport Services, the “tourist business is global competition”, where Jamaica has to fight for its share among popular tourist destinations worldwide.

“As a hotelier I [also]know the demographic in the tourist industry, and I have identified a need that I would like to satisfy,” Hines said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer, following the recent launch of his company’s luxury transport service — Corporate Express.

There is a need for a quality bus service for people from the Jamaican diaspora who are either returning to St Mary and Portland, or who want to visit the parishes. The demographic also includes non-nationals — from those who seek a high-end tourist experience to the lightly packed “budget travellers”.

Having secured partnerships with hotels, guest houses and villas in both parishes after 30 years in tourism, Hines is confident that his venture will succeed.

For those individuals who wish to travel from the Norman Manley International Airport to their destinations in Portland and St Mary, the company offers an “integrated transportation service” including “car service, taxi company and messenger (bearer) service”, he told the Business Observer. The company also offers a shuttle transfer service from the airport to the Corporate Express hub, located at Oakton Great House at 5-7 Hagley Park Road in Kingston.

The residents of St Mary and Portland constitute another market segment. “There’s a need among business people and professionals,” he said, adding that people also travel to the Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA) for medical reasons.

Having been incorporated for almost two years (since September 2013), Hines used that time to conduct surveys to identify the target market for Corporate Express and to ascertain the viability of alternative transportation between the parish of Portland and the KMA via Annotto Bay in St Mary, and vice versa.

The survey found that those who were likely to use the luxury service preferred the “comfort and convenience” which were not available on public transport and would rather avoid the hassle, while others wanted a more economical alternative to driving their own vehicles. And for those who drive, that convenience is provided through parking at both transport hubs in the KMA and Port Antonio, Portland.

Hines says the”service must have the consideration of the constituents” and therefore offers travellers complementary services , such as newspapers, movies, USB ports, Wi-Fi and bathroom amenities.

Meanwhile, Hines is considering expansion and is looking forward to rolling out the Montego Bay route soon.