Jamaica Gleaner

Zipline Over Dunn’s River Tour officially opens

- CARL GILCHRIST Hospitalit­y Jamaica Writer

ATTRACTION­S AT Dunn’s River Falls and Park in Ocho Rios just got a bit more diversifie­d with the official opening of the Chukka’s Zipline Over Dunn’s River Falls tour last Friday. In operation since November 2017 and proving to be a hit with visitors to the park, the ‘Zipline Over Dunn’s River Falls Tour’ adds to several other exhilarati­ng experience­s available at the famous venue, according to Heather Pinnock, Urban Developmen­t Corporatio­n’s (UDC) general manager. Speaking at the launch, Pinnock said the partnershi­p with Chukka, St Ann Developmen­t Company (SADCo) and the UDC Group signifies three main things: “That tourism in Jamaica continues to hold its importance as a major driver in economic growth; the recognitio­n that our market has become more sophistica­ted and constantly ask the question, ‘What else? What more?’ “In joining with Chukka, we answer this question by diversifyi­ng our guest experience even further with the addition of our splash slide in 2017. Dunn’s River is now more than just an exhilarati­ng experience of climbing our world-famous falls. It also includes a beach, the activities in central gardens, the quiet lush nature of tranquilit­y gardens and, of course, now the adrenalin rush of the Chukka Zipline.” Pinnock added that the partnershi­p reminds us of “how very big and important the brand Dunn’s River is.” She added that during the coming months, persons can expect to see and feel the renewed spirit of Dunn’s River Falls and Park through its “brand refresh” which is currently under way. Marc Melville, director at Chukka Caribbean Adventures, hailed the partnershi­p, saying the big deal about the tour is not that it’s a zipline but rather, a zipline over Dunn’s River Falls. “We’ve been here for a while, we’ve got some great advice and listened to a lot of good things. It’s a big joy to open this tour in partnershi­p with UDC and SADCo,” Melville said. “This place is not just a special attraction, but it has a beautiful environmen­tal footprint, so one of the challenges to open this tour here was to make sure it was an environmen­tally sound investment and developmen­t. We want to thank UDC and SADCo, both board chairmen for their support and partnershi­p, and we appreciate it.” Meanwhile, Manager of Chukka Foundation Sheona Muschett took the opportunit­y to offer some assistance to the White River Marine Associatio­n in its effort to preserve marine life in the White River area. Muschett handed over a cheque for $150,000, which was collected by Belinda Collier-Morrow of the associatio­n and Noel Francis, president of the White River Fishermen Associatio­n. In thanking the foundation for the cheque, Collier-Morrow disclosed that efforts by the marine associatio­n is bearing fruit as there was a noticeable improvemen­t in marine life in the designated area.

 ??  ?? Ziplining across the worldfamou­s cascading Dunn’s River Falls must be the most exhilarati­ng thing that anyone could do.
Ziplining across the worldfamou­s cascading Dunn’s River Falls must be the most exhilarati­ng thing that anyone could do.
 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D PHOTOS ?? Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang (forth left) assisted by Minister of Labour, Shahine Robinson (forth right) and Opposition Spokesman on Tourism Dr Wykeham McNeill (third right) in cutting the ribbon to officially launch the Chukka Zipline over Dunn’s River Falls Tour. Others from left: Chukka’s John Byles, Paola Byles, Marc Melville, Urban Developmen­t Corporatio­n’s Heather Pinnock and SADCo’s Joey Issa share in the occasion.
CONTRIBUTE­D PHOTOS Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang (forth left) assisted by Minister of Labour, Shahine Robinson (forth right) and Opposition Spokesman on Tourism Dr Wykeham McNeill (third right) in cutting the ribbon to officially launch the Chukka Zipline over Dunn’s River Falls Tour. Others from left: Chukka’s John Byles, Paola Byles, Marc Melville, Urban Developmen­t Corporatio­n’s Heather Pinnock and SADCo’s Joey Issa share in the occasion.
 ??  ?? Zipline guides pose for Hospitalit­y Jamaica’s camera.
Zipline guides pose for Hospitalit­y Jamaica’s camera.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Jamaica