KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett says the Old Fort Craft Market in Montego Bay will receive upgrades valued at $33 million.

A release from the ministry disclosed that the work will be carried out by the Tourism Product Development Company and will include restoration to the heritage park at a cost of $25million and improvement of bathroom facilities at a cost of $8million.

“I am taking a holistic view of this upgrade and renovation and have instructed the technical team to come back to me with a design for a repurposing of this Old Fort craft experience that will embrace aspects of our heritage, gastronomy and entertainment,” Bartlett said following a tour of the craft market yesterday.

“The aim is to fully build out the heritage park experience and I want it to be completely integrated and become a more attractive site for our tourists who will get to know our story through a full cultural display which the market has the capacity to provide,” he added.

The upgrade to the Old Fort Craft Market will include refurbishing of the cannons, story boards and wishing well, landscaping, and renovation of the restrooms. The work is being carried out as part of the Ministry of Tourism’s overall strategy to “utilise historical sites to add value to existing products and attract more tourists who are interested in these sites.” Work is expected to begin on August 20.