ST ANN, Jamaica — Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has welcomed the US$1 million investment by operators of Poko Loko Floating Bar, the latest attraction added to the tourism resort area of Ocho Rios, St Ann.

The facility was officially opened on Saturday.

“Poko Loko offers a new experience in Ocho Rios and destination Jamaica. For us, this is what tourism is about. It’s about people wanting new experiences; they want to find another way of expressing themselves and they want to meet new people. We are excited about enabling more of these kinds of activities to happen because it drives more visitors to Jamaica,” Bartlett said.

The tourism minister noted that the floating bar can now cater to the industry’s record number of visitors expected this year.

“We are at a crucial point in the development of our industry, where for the first time in our history, we are anticipating some three million stopover visitors in 2024. This means a new dimension for generating wealth for the people of Jamaica. That’s three million new opportunities provided for income generation,” Bartlett noted.

Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, is excited that the operation of the floating bar in St Ann opens up over 80 employment opportunities.

“This is a unique venture, a floating dock right on the Ocho Rios Bay. We’re adding one more attraction to the tourism product, which has grown from strength to strength since COVID-19, right here in Ocho Rios. We’re seeing now where an entrepreneur from the United States has hired 80 young Jamaicans to the product,” Belnavis said.

“We’re particularly happy about the economic expansion within the tourism industry, right here in Ocho Rios,” he added.

Anthony Warren, chief executive officer (CEO) and founder of Poko Loko explained that his company has done all the relevant market research to know that it has a winner on its hands.

He added that the company has been mindful of environmental concerns and has checked all the boxes as it relates to compliance. He added that to ensure that it adheres to the required number it can accommodate at any one time, seating will be done by reservation only to know exactly ‘the number’ we are working with.

According to a release from Poko Loko, the innovative concept provides visitors to Jamaica

with an unforgettable adventure on the Caribbean Sea’s crystal-clear waters. The floating bar, spanning 6,000 square feet, is designed to offer an unparalleled experience on the water.

Guests can enjoy cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders while lounging on the spacious deck, soaking up the sun’s warm rays, and marvelling at the stunning surroundings.

“Visitors can indulge their taste buds at the onboard pizzeria, browse the curated gift shop for souvenirs to commemorate their time in paradise, and dive into the azure depths for an unforgettable snorkelling adventure, exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life,” the release said.

“Whether seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a taste of island life, the floating bar is the perfect destination to immerse oneself in the beauty and serenity of the sea.”