Chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Godfrey Dyer, has said that Jamaica stands to reap significant benefits from several projects and initiatives, for which funds from the facility have been earmarked.

These activities, he informed, include those associated with the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in China, and a flight arrangement with American Airlines.

In an interview with JIS News, Mr Dyer disclosed that sums totalling the equivalent of £200,000 and US$4.5 million, were allocated in both cases, contending that these were "great expenditures" which would benefit Jamaica.

Delegation to the Olympics

Mr Dyer said the £200,000 was allocated from the TEF to offset expenses for a delegation to the Olympics, headed by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, and a public relations programme presented by a United Kingdom-based firm, aimed at raising Jamaica's profile in China.

"The Chinese market is (one) that Jamaica had been looking on for a year prior to that (the Olympics). We felt that this exposure would help us to cement our position in that market, and it certainly worked out well for us," he said.

Regarding the US$4.5 million allocation to American Airlines, the TEF chairman said this guarantees three additional flights to the island out of the United States by the airline "on top of what they had scheduled", over a "varying number of days."

"We have ... one out of Miami, one out of Chicago, and one out of Dallas, each at US$1.5 million for the year; it is a 12-month contract," he informed. This arrangement, he explained, would see three daily flights into the island "between three and five days per week."

Mr Dyer was quick to point out, however, that while the funds have been guaranteed, based on the performance of the routes, those may not necessarily have to be paid.

Doing well

"Miami is doing well, Chicago has done well, (and) Dallas is holding its own, even though I think a little more needs to be done here. But, it's being worked on. So, its worthwhile expenditure, guaranteeing air seats into the island, which further guarantees arrivals, which ensures (benefits)," he said.

In addition, Mr Dyer disclosed that just under $1 billion has been spent undertaking activities, primarily under the 'Spruce Up Jamaica' programme, which entails major clean-up work in resort towns, and cities across the island. This project is being undertaken by National Solid Waste Management Authority, and the Tourism Product Development Company.