Jamaican tourism minister eyes Irish influx
Jamaica’s tourism minister jetted into a grey-skied Dublin today to sample the local Guinness and invite more Irish people to visit the Caribbean island.
Aloun Ndombet Assamba was in the city to discuss increasing Irish visitor numbers and plans for next year’s Cricket World Cup when Ireland will play three group matches in Jamaica.
Ms Assamba said she expected a further influx of Irish fans to support their team in its debut appearance at the tournament.
“We’re expecting an increase in visitor arrivals from Ireland in 2007,” she said.
“The luck of the Irish has seen the country draw Jamaica as the host of all of Ireland’s competitive preliminary matches in the 2007 Cricket World Cup, including the team’s clash with Pakistan taking place on St Patrick’s Day.
“Next year’s Cricket World Cup marks a true milestone for Ireland as it is the first time Ireland has qualified and we expect the Irish fans to head out to the Caribbean in full force to support their team.”
Minister Assamba said 2006 had seen a steady increase in the number of Irish visitors to Jamaica with July figures showing an increase of more than 70%.
“We continue to focus on increasing and evolving both tourism products and investment in infrastructure in Jamaica, placing emphasis on ensuring an unrivalled and authentic experience for visitors to the Island,” she said.
“The purpose of my visit is to further understand the needs of the Irish market and establish how we can foster relationships in this territory to work more closely.”
Ireland will play three Cricket World Cup matches in Jamaica next spring.
They will face Zimbabwe on Thursday, March 15, Pakistan on Saturday, March 17 and the West Indies on Friday, March 23.
