MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – As Jamaica welcomes the start to the 2014/2015 winter tourist season Customs and Immigration workers as well as Red Cap Porters at the Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, St. James have been lauded for their continued commitment to the local tourism industry.

The airport workers were personally thanked recently by Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, the Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill; Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook, and other tourism industry stakeholders, for the important role they play in ensuring that visitors feel welcome. The appreciation function was held at Air Margaritaville at SIA.
“We are performing well in Jamaica in terms of tourism; more visitors are coming to our island, people are having a very good time, they’re spending more money, our earnings from tourism are up and a large part of that success is due to the work performed here at the airport; whether it’s customs, immigration, Red Cap Porters, everybody,” said Minister McNeill.

He reminded them of the important fact that “you are the first persons that people see when they come to the island and the last when they leave and just the interaction is appreciated. Thank you for all that you are doing and keep on providing first class service.”

Mr. Pennicook also expressed appreciation to the workers stating that “I thank you for your continued commitment to the sector. We appreciate the important contribution the workers at both our international airports make to the success of Jamaica’s tourism sector and the positive impact that has on the economy.”

The breakfast meeting with the airport workers was also attended by Deputy Director of Tourism, Sandra Scott, and Chief Executive Officer of the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), Jennifer McDonald. A similar appreciation function will be held for workers at the Norman Manley International Airport, on Thursday December 18, 2014.