Jamaica Tourist Board Endorses Reggae Sumfest

Reggae Sumfest’s proven hypnotic pulling power for Montego Bay visitors has over the years resulted in a significant economic boost for the country. This has prompted a stamp of approval from tourism authorities for this year’s July 17 -24 staging of the iconic event.

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), has fully endorsed Reggae Sumfest in recognition of its contribution to the economy. Each year, an estimated 30,000-40,000 people descend onto the second city to partake of the Festival and the related attractions in and around the area. This scope and impact of this activity is immense and the spin-off in repeat visitors has been documented and encouraged by the JTB.

John Lynch, Director of Tourism and Chairman of the JTB, explained that the Jamaica Tourist Board has always been a supporter of Reggae Sumfest since its inception 18 years ago and this year would be no different.

“We are pleased to support and sponsor this event because Reggae Sumfest offers a solid opportunity to attract visitors to Jamaica as well as to attract positive media attention,” he states.

According to Mr. Lynch, Destination Jamaica and the Reggae Sumfest brands make a formidable team that is not matched anywhere else in the world. “No other destination can offer ‘the greatest reggae show on earth’ in the birth place of this music genre. The Festival is an event iconic to the island and sets Destination Jamaica apart from other places which may want to offer a reggae festival. In addition, the event provides a showcase for Jamaican talents, many of whom have an international following. This provides additional traction in securing media coverage.”

The stage is again set for another sizzling show, and already the buzz is reflected in visitor arrivals for the area. With top acts such as Usher, Chris Brown, Shaggy, Jah Cure, Queen Ifrica, and Tarrus Riley among a host of others, both local and overseas visitors to the event will be in for a welcome treat.

First staged in 1993, Reggae Sumfest quickly became the world’s premiere reggae music event.  The festival showcases the best of Dancehall and Reggae music, as well as top R&B/Hip Hop performers, and offers delicious Jamaican cuisine alongside art and craft. Each year, the event attracts up to 40,000 patrons to the tourist capital of Montego Bay.

Reggae Sumfest is the most celebrated and supported reggae festival in Jamaica, and attracts the world’s leading musicians and performers. In its near 20 year history, the show has traditionally boasted a superb entertainment package, loaded with the best performances, food, music, and culture. This year’s Festival runs from July 17-24 at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay.

Tickets for Beach Party night (Saturday July 17) cost $1500 for dancehall night (Thursday July 22) they cost $2800 in advance and $3000 at the gate, and for International Night one and two (Friday July 23 and Saturday July 24), they cost advance $4700 and $5000 at the gate.

In Montego Bay, tickets are available at El Paso Records, Pier One, Fairview Texaco, Fontana Pharmacy, Wexford Hotel, Pier One, Mobay Proper Ltd. and Parkway Supermarket. In Kingston, they’re available at York Pharmacy, LG Service Centre, Rory’s Texaco, Acropolis and Sportsmax Zone. In Ocho Rios they’re available at Pierview Vacation Inn, in Negril at Times Square Shopping Mall, in Portmore at Travel Mania, and in Mandeville at Fontana Pharmacy.