Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter 
WESTERN BUREAU:
CRUISE SHIP passenger arrivals to the island for the first two months of this year has surpassed those for the corresponding period in 2005.
In January 2006, Jamaica welcomed 134,279 cruise ship passengers, an increase of 20 per cent over January 2005. This February's, 118,051 cruise ship passenger arrivals represent a five per cent increase over last February.
According to Acting Minister of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture, Dr. Wykeham McNeill, these figures demonstrate that the tourist sector continues to be in growth mode.
"We cannot take anything for granted, however. Ocho Rios, which accommodates some 80 per cent of cruise ship calls to the island, must undergo continuous upgrading to ensure that the resort can compete even more effectively as a preferred port of call."
The minister indicated that the current emphasis is on beautification, paying close attention to sidewalks, curbs and drains, as well as information provision. This will be augmented by financing from the recently established Tourism Enhancement Fund.
UPGRADING PROJECT
Executive Director of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) Michael Muirhead said some physical work will begin on this phase of the Ocho Rios upgrading project within the next four to eight weeks.
"We will begin with the streetscape, centred on Main Street, moving on to the highway development road and Da Costa Drive in the next phase. The entire project should be completed ahead of the upcoming winter tourist season."
Chairman of the St. Ann Resort Board, Burchell James, who is also on the board of TPDCo says he is confident that this project will make a significant difference.
"We understand that this is a process, so we have studied the area, and consulted with the stakeholder groups and partners. On the technical side we have defined the scope of work, completed bills of quantities, and the work has gone out to tender."
"The Ocho Rios upgrading project will have a multi-agency approach with TPDCo taking the lead.The National Works Agency, The St. Ann Parish Council, and the St. Ann Resort Board will all be part of the process to give Ocho Rios a new look and feel," Mr. James concluded.
