JHTA partners with ATL, Hardware & Lumber for million-dollar redesign giveaway
THE Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) has entered into a partnership with Appliance Traders Ltd (ATL) and Hardware & Lumber Ltd (H&L) for a renovation giveaway at this year’s Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX).
This will see one of the small accommodation members (property with less than 100 rooms) walking way with a prize of a free renovation valued up to $1,000,000 in technical assistance, products and services, it was announced by the JHTA following the official launch of JAPEX, recently.
Nicola Madden-Greig, president of the JHTA said: “Every year we try to bring something new and exciting to JAPEX. This year we wanted to give the small accommodations in particular something impactful that would help with their brand’s positioning and marketability.
ATL in conjunction with Hardware & Lumber offer some of the best and most sought after products and services on the island; as such it was a natural fit for us to partner with them for this activity through our seminar. ” The seminar will provide small and medium hotel property owners with an opportunity to learn how to redesign spaces on a budget.
There will be particular focus on common areas and key operational departments such as the lobby, kitchen and outdoor spaces. “It is really important that we showcase to the smaller properties the wide variety of options available in support of their renovation projects,” said Donna Doran, chief executive officer of H&L.
“We are pleased to be able to share our knowledge and expertise as it will equip small investors and operators with the necessary tools to generate the most value from their properties.
This will assist in their thrust to build brand Jamaica.” Small hotel properties account for 35 per cent of the rooms in Jamaica, with a number of them sharing the same prestige and popularity as the larger hotels.
According to reports by the Jamaica Tourist Board, the small accommodation sector has grown by just over seven per cent in 2014, compared to 2013, an even greater growth is anticipated once the final numbers are calculated for 2015. This growth, said the JHTA, is anticipated to increase in 2016 and beyond as the needs of visitors to the island for alternative accommodation increases.
Danville Walker, managing director of the Jamaica Observer and ATL, said: “The ATL Group has always been committed to building brand Jamaica. We recognise the immense value that the small accommodations bring to the Jamaican economy and will support advancement efforts of this sector whenever possible as we work towards achieving sustainable growth in the tourism industry.”
In Jamaica, it is difficult for many of these companies to keep their product up to international standards. In 2014, the Government of Jamaica passed the Omnibus Incentive Legislation.
Under legislation, this new incentive allows hotels and other accommodation providers access to prescribed items duty free and other concessions on a variety of products and services under the Productive Input Relief listing.
It is with this in mind that the JHTA said it is keen on ensuring that the small accommodations get as much support in repositioning their businesses for the 21st century traveller.
“We want them to be exposed to a higher set of standards which will enhance customer service and satisfaction. The seminar will allow all participants to gain information on current trends, the latest materials available, new regulations and brand differentiation in a competitive marketplace” said Madden Greig.
The seminar will take place on Friday, April 29 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. It is one of four free seminars being hosted at JAPEX for its members.