Faith-Based Tourism to Jamaica
The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) on Sustainable Tourism is targeting the development of faith-based tourism to Jamaica and the Caribbean in order to capitalize on the more than US$18 billion global industry with more than 300 million estimated annual travelers.
Bevan Springer, President of CMEx told the Caribbean Business Report (CBR) that along with exploring linkages with other industries within the country, Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean should encourage the development of faith-based tourism in order to capitalize on this huge number.
Springer said that the church he attended in New York had a congregation of 35,000 persons who really get excited about any mention of visiting the Caribbean. "You can start tapping into these congregations and encourage them to come to Jamaica," he said.
He further added, "There are people of faith that are still yearning to be approached to bring their congregation to the Caribbean. With the amount of churches that we have in the Caribbean, there is the opportunity for pulpit exchanges, outreach and volunteer activities."
Recently Jamaican-American Pastor Miles McPherson visited Jamaica on one such faith-based tour. He took nearly 300 'Miles Ahead' volunteers to Montego Bay, where they worked on humanitarian projects, such as painting and refurbishing two schools, holding a deaf education workshop, and sending teams into multiple schools to inspire and motivate.
Over the years, Silver Sands Jamaica has played host to many church groups who have visited for combined vacation and church work. These groups find Silver Sands a great place to relax after a demanding day in the field.
Jamaica Villas Happenings
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