Kingston Jamaica Gains From Staging The 19th Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx)

The staging of the 19th Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) in Kingston has worked in Jamaica's favour, according to Bevan Springer, the organiser of the annual tourism conference.

The event negated the perception of Kingston as the crime capital of Jamaica. When the four-day conference ended Sunday, more than 60 delegates from throughout the region and North America were all praise for the city.

"Jamaica has delivered in every area," Springer told the Observer during the conference's final day at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. "Many delegates came wondering why we chose Kingston, but the feedback we have been getting from them is that it has been incredible."

The delegates got an opportunity to give back to the capital, making a hefty donation of educational material to Kintyre Basic School and Maxfield Park Children's Home in St Andrew.

"We decided to do this because of the feedback from delegates who say we need to create a positive impact on the destination CMEx is being held," Springer told the Observer.

Springer said CMEx believes in promoting diversity, and staging the event in Kingston was a key part of demonstrating this.

"It was a great thing to change the scenery to a capital which is so rich in culture," he said.

The delegates also examined the linkages between tourism and education, youth, health and wellness, and culture among other areas.

Springer said CMEx intends to present a document to the Jamaica Tourist Board by this week providing recommendations on how to promote the destination as a cultural Mecca.

"We would like to return to Jamaica and mount another CMEx focussing on culture," he said.

Kingston besides being the capital is also the cultural hub of the country and there are many museums, galleries and attractions that provide an interesting insight into its rich legacy. Silver Sands Jamaica can organize day trips to Kingston for its guests, providing safe and comfortable vehicles, licensed drivers, and even child car seats free of cost.