Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island, measuring 146 miles at its widest point. Primarily of volcanic origin, the lush island features a mountain ridge that peaks at Blue Mountain that is 7,402 feet high. Many white-sand beaches and clear seas ring the island. Jamaica is classified as a developing country. We have a mixed, free-market economy consisting of a combination of state-owned entities and private-sector organizations. Our two most important economic sectors are tourism and mining, with agriculture and manufacturing also contributing to the economy. Tourism and mining are responsible for earning most of the valuable foreign exchange need for trade. The parish of St. Ann is located on the north coast and is known as the “Garden Parish” because of its beauty. One of St. Ann’s popular towns is Ocho Rios, which translates from Spanish to mean “Eight Rivers” known for its many waterfalls; is our host resort town for the 2008 International Conference on Business, Hospitality and Tourism Management.

1. ACCOMMODATION

Arrangements for accommodation have been made with the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa located in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica

2. TRAVEL

Jamaica is accessible from major gateways in North America and Europe through code-share partnerships and international airlines that travel to Jamaica. We have partnered with Air Jamaica www.airjamaica.com and British Airways www.ba.com for participants to access travel discounts from major gateways to Jamaica for the International Conference on Business, Hospitality & Tourism Management, October 8-11, 2008.

3. BUSINESS AND SHOPPING HOURS

Businesses are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Shops, supermarkets, pharmacies and other retail outlets are usually open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00p.m. Monday to Saturday and sometimes on Sundays.

4. CLIMATE

Jamaica has a tropical climate and being a very mountainous country the climate ranges from tropical and humid at sea-level to temperate in the mountains. Mean temperatures in St. Ann range 76°F/24°C to 90°F/30°C. Typically the months of May, October and November are rainy months.

5. CURRENCY AND BANKING

1. The official currency is the Jamaican dollar (J$), though the United States Dollar is freely accepted. The rate of exchange is approximately J$70.00 to US$1.00 and J$130.00 to the GBP (£), and J$100.00 to the Euro (€). Exchange rates are subject to fluctuations.

2. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into or taken out of Jamaica by visitors. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000.00 (or its equivalent in any other foreign currency) or J$700,000.00 must be declared to Jamaican customs.

3. Internationally recognized travelers’ cheques and major credit cards are accepted in all hotels and most stores. All Jamaican commercial banks have wide international affiliations. Most commercial banks have Automated Banking Machines (ABM’s) that may accept Cirrus or Star cards.

4. Commercial banks have differing operating hours. Some operate from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., others from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. Monday to Thursday and on Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Your hotel/residence will advise of the banks nearest to you and their opening/closing times.

6. DEPARTURE TAX

For those persons not holding a Diplomatic passport, a charge of One Thousand Jamaican dollars (J$1,000.00) or the equivalent in United States dollars is payable at the airport upon departure. N.B. Ascertain if your travel consultant included the departure tax in your airline ticket.

7. ATTIRE

Dress is generally “business casual” unless otherwise indicated. A lounge suit is suitable for some receptions and dinners. Please carry lightweight materials and women may carry a light shawl, as evenings can be more than 10°F cooler than the daytime.

8. DRIVING LICENSES

Visitors are able to drive for one (1) month in Jamaica on a valid national driving license. N.B. Please note that driving is on the left.

9. ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Voltage in Jamaica is 110-120 volts 50 cycle. Some hotels will have volts 50 cycle. In those hotels you will be able to get a step-down transformer for your 110-120v equipment.

10. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS (AWAITING LATEST UPDATE)

1. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for participants coming from the following areas: Brazil, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal and Venezuela.

2. Persons arriving from Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe are advised that:

   1. They will be issued a “Health Alert” card on arrival which outlines the measures to be taken in the event of suspected illness with malaria while in Jamaica; and

   2. If they develop a fever and/or any symptoms of malaria, they will be required to report immediately to the Ministry of Health or the Doctor on call at the hotel/residence.

3. Importation of plants, fresh fruits, meats and vegetables need an official phytosanitary certificate. Inquiries must first be made through the Organizing Secretariat stating the type and quantities of each item to be imported.

11. IDENTIFICATION

All participants will be issued with special identification badges. All other conference secretariat staff and non-participant, along with administrative staff will be issue with special identification cards allowing access to the Conference site (Conference Hotel). Media representatives will be issue with press cards that are to be used as identification cards.

All delegates are requested to cooperate by displaying their badges at all times, including off-site activities.

12. INSURANCE

The organizers will not accept any liability for personal injuries, nor for loss of or damage to personal belongings. Please check the validity of your personal insurance. You should also carry your own health insurance, as medical attention can be expensive.

13. LANGUAGE

The official language of Jamaica is English, but the Jamaican creole – “patois” or “patwah” – is spoken throughout the island.

14. PRE/POST MEETING TOURS

Information regarding off-site tours, rafting, bike rides etc., will be available from the tour desk at the Conference Hotel.

15. RECEPTION AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

1. A local liaison officer will meet officials and specially invited persons on their arrival at the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica and the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica.

2. Departure arrangements will be the same as that which applied on arrival provided final travel plans are notified to the Liaison Desk before the end of the meeting.

16. TIME

Jamaica is on Eastern Standard Time. GMT minus five (-5).

17. TRANSPORTATION

• Jamaica Tours Limited provides shuttle bus service from the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica to Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. Transportation costs are:

  • Round trip - US$45

  • One-way - US$25

• Delegates requiring such services are asked to go directly to the Jamaica Tours Limited desk located in the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

  • Credit Card and/or cash is accepted as the mode of payment. You may call Jamaica Tours if you would like to reserve transportation prior to your arrival in Jamaica at 876-975-3700.

  • Participants requiring additional transportation should notify the Secretariat.

  • The cost for all rentals so requested must be borne by the persons requiring these services.

18. DRUGS

In Jamaica, the use, sale, and possession of drugs such as ganja (marijuana), cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin and any other controlled substance is ILLEGAL. Violators are subject to severe punishments – specifically arrest, fine and imprisonment. DO NOT attempt to purchase, use, consume or transport ANY drugs. If there is someone trying to sell you drugs, be firm and say NO!! Incarceration is not a please way to extend your holiday – you really don’t get much sightseeing don from behind the bars of a prison.

19. VISAS

Members from Commonwealth countries do not usually need visas, with the exception of Nigeria, India and Sri Lanka. Participants from India will need to submit their passport information, address and dates of travel and Citizenships, Immigration and Passport in Jamaica will send the required authority to British Airways to accept them on the flight.

Participants from Canada, the United States of America and European Union countries must have a government issued identification to travel to Jamaica, however a passport is highly recommended. Participants from Latin and South America may apply to the Jamaican Embassy or Honorary Jamaican Consulate in your respective countries or visit www.mftaft.gov.jm  for further information.

For more information about Jamaica visit:

http://www.visitjamaica.com/about_jamaica/our_culture.aspx