ST JAMES, Jamaica- Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has acknowledged the tourism potential of the twinning of the city Montego Bay and the Grecian city of Sitia.

During a signing ceremony for the historic event held in Sam Sharpe Square on Thursday, the minister shared his aspirations through a message read in his absence by Regional Director, Jamaica Tourist Board, Odette Dyer, emphasising the positive impact of this new partnership on the industry.

“I know you understand how important this industry (tourism) is and why with this twinning partnership, Jamaica looks forward to the opening up of a tourism market for Grecians starting with our newly birthed brothers and sisters from Crete,” said Bartlett in his speech.

The minister also used the opportunity to highlight the continued developments within the local sector, including aspects of transportation and accommodations.

He referenced the additional 8,000 hotel rooms that are set to come on stream in short order through foreign direct investments. He also used the opportunity to call for investments in the hospitality sector from Greece.

“Just dropping a hint, that an authentic Greek hotel would be a welcome addition to our product range,” he stated.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Leeroy Williams, said the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) provides a slew of opportunities for both cities.

“Indeed, opportunities abound, for both Montego Bay and Sitia share some similarities and the relationship between us will be mutually beneficial to both cities, particularly in the areas of education, agriculture, technology, and tourism,” he told the gathering.

He called on individuals to be ready to reap the benefits that are to be derived from the partnership.

“When we speak of possibilities though, and I must say strongly, we must ensure that we, especially here in Montego Bay, position ourselves to take advantage of the benefits to be garnered. Sometimes we open doors and are a bit hesitant to increase capacity, so as to take on the true benefits to be garnered. We must be ready,” he stressed.

Last September, Williams had led a delegation to the Sitia where the first leg of the ties had been established. A picture book of their visit was presented to him as a gift by the Mayor of Sitia Georgios Zervakis during the ceremony on Thursday.

Mayor Zervakis during his remarks welcomed the twinning opportunities.

“Hence we truly believe that today we must have taken a mark on this day that we are not only sealing our friendship, more importantly, this is the day that Sitia has given once in a lifetime opportunity for a substantial relationship unique to the people in distant relationships that hold different culture, customs and traditions,” he told the gathering.

Mayor Williams later presented Mayor Zervakis with the key to the city of Montego Bay.