Appleton Special Dream Weekend, the annual summer party series, starts on July 28 until August 1 in the beach resort town of Negril. Today, associate sponsors Jamaica Observer publishes the first in a series of articles on the event.

WHEN Appleton Special Dream Weekend kicks off on July 28, it is expected to pump nearly $2 billion into Negril’s economy. This is according to Scott Dunn, managing director 0f Dream Entertainment, organisers of the eight-year-old Dream Weekend.

“This year, we expect to boost the tourism industry with about $1.5 billion. As the norm, we will be hosting an audience of tens of thousands. Last year was our biggest staging and we are expecting an even bigger crowd this year,” Dunn told the Jamaica Observer.

Appleton Special Dream Weekend attracts patrons from sections of Europe, Canada and the United States.

“The series is for anyone who loves Jamaican music, culture, and loves to party. We all know our culture has millions of followers,” he said.

Dunn said the event also provides a source of income for hotels, rental cars, taxis, and craft vendors.

Evelyn Smith, hotelier and former president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, said the Negril business sector looks forward to the annual party series.

“This is a major event each year and all of the hoteliers and business operators look forward to it. Almost everyone in Negril and its surroundings benefits. From the taxi bikes to the hotels to the restaurants. The parties attract persons from all walks of life, so without a doubt, the Negril economy gets a boost with each staging,” said Smith.

Also set to benefit from Dream Weekend are several homeowners, including Rupert Tomlinson. Tomlinson — who owns a seven-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom house — said he has been generating an income from the party’s last three stagings.

“What I do is rent at least four of my rooms to tourists. Of course, I charge less than the hotel but my prices are quoted in US dollars, so that’s how I make my money. I am already booked out for this season,” he said.

Tomlinson said his rates range from US$65 to US$100 per night, depending on the services offered.

“It’s two guests to a room but some may require breakfast services which I provide. I always look towards this time of the year, as a lot of the guests board days after the festivities end,” he said.

Appleton Special Dream Weekend starts with Magnum Dream Live at Cayenne Beach on July 28. The event features Magnum King Accid and Magnum Queen Clymaxx, who will join dancehall stars Popcaan, Bounty Killer, Spice, Elephant Man, Masicka, Ding Dong and comedienne/singer Bella Blair.

On July 29, the parties Celebrity Playground and Twisted Spiritz will be staged. These will be followed by Daydreams and Yush on July 30. Come July 31, it’s the turn of the popular water party Wet ‘N’ Wild and World Vibes.

The event winds down on Emancipation Day, August 1, with Igloo and Dream J’Ouvert.