Government of Jamaica
The resort town of Ocho Rios underwent an impressive transformation on Sunday, December 15, 2024, as the Destination Assurance Council of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), in collaboration with key partners, successfully executed a clean-up and beautification initiative. The project, which ran from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, brought together 150 volunteers, community partners, and stakeholders to ensure the town is pristine for the winter tourist season.
The initiative was supported by the Ocho Rios/Runaway Bay Chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), the St Ann Municipal Corporation, the St Ann Chamber of Commerce, Jamaica Bauxite Mines, and the Custos of St Ann.
This clean-up effort served as a timely kick-off to what has been projected as the “biggest winter tourist season in the history of Jamaica.” Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, recently stated, “We have already secured 1.5 million seats across the markets of the world.”
Chairman of the Destination Assurance Council, Clifton Reader, praised the collaborative effort, highlighting its long-term impact. “This initiative is just the beginning. We have divided the resort areas into zones, with private businesses and corporate entities adopting responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of their assigned areas. This approach ensures long-term sustainability and consistent maintenance,” Mr. Reader explained.
Antoinette Bernard, TPDCo’s Destination Manager for the Ocho Rios Resort Area, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the power of teamwork. “The success of this clean-up truly demonstrates the impact of collective action. We are so grateful for all the partners who have come on board to make this initiative a success,” she noted.
Throughout the day, volunteers worked tirelessly to clear debris, refresh public spaces, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the town. The initiative not only improved the visual charm of Ocho Rios but also reinforced Jamaica’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences for both local and international visitors.
With the winter tourist season poised to be record-breaking, the successful clean-up and beautification of Ocho Rios underscore the country’s dedication to sustainability, community engagement, and maintaining its position as a world-class destination.
Representatives from Jamaica Bauxite Mines lend their support to the Ocho Rios Clean-Up and Beautification Project by painting sidewalks in the resort town on Sunday, December 15, 2024. This initiative, spearheaded by TPDCo’s Destination Assurance Council in partnership with key stakeholders, aims to enhance the town’s aesthetic appeal ahead of the winter tourist season.
A dedicated volunteer applies a fresh coat of paint to sections of the Ocho Rios Craft Market as part of the Clean-Up and Beautification Project. The initiative, which brought together 150 volunteers, reflects a collaborative effort to prepare the town for a record-breaking winter tourist season while fostering pride and sustainability.
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For further information on these developments, please contact:
Marline Stephenson Dalley
Coordinator, Corporate Communications and Community Awareness
Tourism Product Development Company Limited
Email: marline.stephenson@tpdco.org
Tel: 876 550 0733