Meeting planners anticipating the opening of Jamaica’s new Montego Bay Convention Centre in January 2011 will be impressed not only by its advanced technology, but also by its proximity to major hotels and cultural attractions. This new facility will be the largest of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean region, and will strengthen Jamaica’s position in the growing groups and conventions market.

“The Montego Bay Convention Centre is strategically located to give meeting groups easy access to many exciting attractions, hotels and resorts,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Jamaica’s appeal to meeting planners around the world will be enhanced by its ability to provide groups with great diversity in leisure activities after conducting their business.”

Attractions and Amenities

With 150+ attractions ― more than any other Caribbean island offers ― Jamaica is uniquely equipped to enrich the experience of meeting groups and cater to their diverse needs.

Following a day of meetings, visitors can take in the island’s lush, scenic rainforest as they raft down the Martha Brae River; or be entertained at the Rose Hall Great House with hair-raising tales of the White Witch Annie Palmer. Seafaring guests will enjoy a friendly encounter with dolphins at the newly opened Dolphin Cove near Montego Bay; while those with a zest for adventure can ride through rugged terrain on Chukka Caribbean’s ATV Safari Tour. Golf aficionados can also unwind on one of Montego Bay’s five world-class golf courses: Cinnamon Hill, White Witch, Half Moon, Tryall and Ironshore. Both the Shoppes at Rose Hall and the Half Moon Shopping Village provide a value-added duty-free shopping experience.

Resort Properties

With the addition of 700 rooms in Montego Bay this year, the room stock in the Negril to Ocho Rios corridor has surpassed the 20,000 mark, underscoring Jamaica’s ability to host groups of all sizes. This further allows the destination to capitalize on the flourishing groups and conventions business.

Many of the hotels offer all-inclusive options. For groups traveling with children, many will also provide certified nannies and exciting kids’ and teens’ programs.

Meetings in Jamaica

The Montego Bay Convention Centre will provide 50,000+ square feet of exhibition space, 20,000+ square feet in banquet areas, and 11,000+ square feet of meeting space.