Jamaica To Have New Artisan Villages

Kingston, Jamaica

Jamaica has unveiled new plans to share its culture and heritage with visitors. The Caribbean island nation plans to create five artisan villages in and around resort areas to showcase authentic Jamaican food, music, crafts, and heritage. The island is best known for its lush topography of mountains, rainforests and reef-lined beaches. But it also possesses a varied and fascinating artistic heritage.

These artisan villages are primarily meant to attract tourists. They also provide a way for Jamaican artists and craftspeople to showcase their talents and creativity. The tourism minister hopes that they will be beneficial for interactions between visitors and locals. He also believes that they will reduce the amount of imported crafts sold in Jamaica.

Falmouth, Jamaica
Jamaican Art Appreciation

The first village is set to be built in Ocho Rios, a former fishing on the northern coast. It is now a well known spa destination. Another will be established in Montego Bay. The rest  are set to be opened in Famouth, Port Antonio, and Negril over the coming years. Montego Bay, with its British-colonial architecture, is home to numerous popular resorts, while Negril is famous for its diving and snorkeling sites.

The Jamaican government also plans to regulate the crafts industry to ensure that only genuine and certified traders can avail the benefits that accompany a position in these villages. The traders will receive assistance putting together promotional materials, as well as help in marketing them in hotels and aboard cruise ships.

A cruise ship docks at Ocho Rios, Jamaica

The new villages are also going to host numerous food festivals to enhance the gastronomic and cultural experience that visitors have of Jamaica. Music festivals and other social amenities are also set to be a part of the villages.



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