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Operator Signed for Montego Bay Convention Centre

Montego Bay Conference Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has signed an agreement with the international company SMG to market and manage the Montego Bay Convention Centre, located in Rose Hall, St. James.  The agreement which was signed on January 5, 2011, after months of negotiations will be in effect for a seven year period in the first instance, with the option to renew for an additional three years.

Miss Joy Douglas, general manager of the UDC has expressed confidence that SMG, based on its world wide operations and its track record for marketing and managing convention facilities, is the right fit for the state of the art Convention Centre. The Convention Centre is the first in the English speaking Caribbean to be added to the portfolio of SMG, joining Puerto Rico, the only other facility from the region. SMG in addition to its US based operations, is also engaged in Europe, Turkey, Canada, Mexico and Chile.

SMG for its part noted that the company was particularly pleased to have extended its operations to Jamaica, where as they have stated “the Elegant Corridor…needs a first class curator”.  The company is prepared to place its considerable expertise and experience as well as investing to ensure the success and viability of the Jamaican convention facility.

The contract will see SMG involved in the reviewing of interior furnishings and furniture, developing operational plans, recruiting and training staff, developing sales, marketing, advertising and promotional programmes in cooperation with the Jamaica Tourist Board.  SMG will also be responsible for booking and event management and all related services for the Centre.

The Montego Bay Convention Centre was constructed by the UDC through the China National Complete Plant Import Export Corporation (COMPLANT), to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the meetings and conventions market.  Prime Minister the Honourable Bruce Golding will on Friday, January 7, 2011, open the centre, ahead of the first event, the Caribbean Market Place scheduled for January 16-18, 2011.