$33 million upgrade for Old Fort Craft Market

TOURISM MINISTER the Hon Edmund Bartlett says the Old Fort Craft Market in Montego Bay will receive upgrades valued at $33 million. The work will be carried out by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and will include restoration to the heritage park at a cost of $25 million and improvement of bathroom facilities at a cost of $8 million.

Following a tour of the Old Fort Craft Market last Thursday, Minister Bartlett said he is taking a holistic view of this upgrade and renovation and has instructed the technical team to come back to him with a design for a repurposing of the market’s craft experience that will embrace aspects of the island’s heritage, gastronomy and entertainment

Minister Bartlett added, “The aim is to fully build out the heritage park experience, and I want it to be completely integrated and become a more attractive site for our tourists, who will get to know our story through a full cultural display which the market has the capacity to provide”.

ADDING VALUE

The upgrade to the Old Fort Craft Market will include refurbishing of the cannons, story boards and a wishing well, landscaping, and renovation of the restrooms. The work is being carried out as part of the Ministry of Tourism’s overall strategy to utilise historical sites to add value to existing products and attract more tourists who are interested in these sites. Work was expected to begin on Monday August 20.

In highlighting the strategic positioning and cultural importance of Old Fort Craft Market in the sector, Minister Bartlett concluded, “This is unique from the rest of the craft-market experiences across Jamaica as Old Fort has the potential for a complete touristic experience through heritage, history, food and entertainment. The location is truly a gem, and when a cruise passenger leaves the ship and looks back at the sea from Old Fort with nice beautiful foliage, local designs, and some of our heritage, they will get a real taste of Jamaican paradise.”