I own a small hotel and I diversify by target market for future hotel guests. No one group represents more than 15 per cent of my clientele.

Why is it that the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) thinks only Canada and the United States merit advertising and marketing, putting all their eggs in the North- American basket?

Everybody knows that this is stupid, except apparently, the JTB. Throwing good money after bad money is another stupid idea.

Other destinations

Does the JTB ever consider New Zealand and Australia, or even Argentina and Brazil? Did they try Russia, India and China? What about Saudi Arabia and other Emirates? They all have a vibrant middle and upper class that travels the world. The JTB should spend some advertising funds on these new clients. In which world do the Government of Jamaica and the JTB exist?

I remember speaking to a hotel owner in St Ann's Bay and at the time he assured me that he had made 21 foreign trips and was seasoned in the ways of hotels. My next question was simple. Of these foreign trips, how many were to the United States or Canada? The answer was none. I hope all Jamaica is not infected with this North-American fixation.

I am, etc.,

JOSEPH HARNETT

gobahia@hotmail.com

Rua Portas do Carmo, 13

Salvador, Bahia

40026-290

Brasil, S.A.