The $700-million artisan village to be opened in Falmouth is the first of many across Jamaica, says tourism minister Edmund Bartlett. Similar structures will be put in place at all the country’s resort towns, he said, part of a signature project that will take brand Jamaica to “new stratospheric” heights.
Bartlett noted that Jamaica’s authentic and artistic talent has not been fully maximised or realised over the years. The artisan villages, starting with Falmouth, will be a game changer, putting the island and its tourism brand “in a league of our own”, he said.
The minister explained that the idea is to get all the creative talents under one roof, where patrons can see a diversity of products, providing them with more options to make purchases.
The 10 artisans who plied their wares at the village on Sunday during a call by the Emerald Princess cruise ship included craft traders, restauranteurs, beauty specialists and a maker of vegan ice-cream.
The village, situated at the former Hampden Wharf, is themed to tell the story of Falmouth and offer Jamaicans and visitors an opportunity to share local food, drink, art, craft, and culture.
It is financed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund and forms part of the wider Hampden Wharf Development project.
Source: JIS
