Breezes Runaway Bay Resort and Golf Club is wooing guests from non-traditional markets such as South and Central America and Asia, in addition to stepping up efforts in Europe.

Operations manager at the hotel, Kenneth Minton, in his speech to mark the hotel's 24th anniversary, said the hotel had to redouble its efforts to attract visitors in what was becom-ing an increasingly competitive marketplace.

He later told The Gleaner that steps had already been taken to woo new clientele from South America.

The hotel has also been targeting Germany and the United Kingdom.

"Initial feedback have been positive," said Minton.

Breezes, part of the SuperClubs chain of hotels, which also includes the Grand Lido and Hedonism brands, gets the vast majority of its guests from North America, as do most large hotels on the island.

Minton explained that in exploring more diversified markets, Breezes also wanted to pay attention to local and Caribbean markets.

Economic meltdown

There have been concerns over the impact the economic meltdown in the United States might have on Jamaica's and indeed the Caribbean's tourism sector, even as the region was winning the world's highest honours at the World Travel Award final in Turks and Caicos.

A number of Caribbean and Jamaican properties were named tops in their categories, and Jamaica was named the World's leading cruise destination.

As a run-up to its anniversary, Breezes feted over 100 repeat guests, who were treated at a deluxe cocktail party, featuring exquisitely prepared tropical delights, done under the strict supervision of executive chef Mark Cole.

Standouts at the fete were Erwin and Helga Sommer from Germany, who were declared "honorary Jamaicans" as they had visited the property over 90 times and have been at every anniversary celebration.

Like the Sommers, many of the repeat guests have been visiting Breezes Runaway Bay since the 1980s.

Several guests won prizes such as six-day complimentary stays at the resort, massages, dinners, manicures and pedicures.

- CG