By Garwin Davis

As the winter tourist season continues to rake in stratospheric numbers, Chukka Caribbean Adventures and Island Village Plaza are reassuring local guests that they need not worry about hotels suspending the sale of day passes. 

This comes following the declaration last week by several major hotels that they were discontinuing the sale of the popular day passes for the Christmas and New Year holidays and in some cases, indefinitely, until occupancy level drops below 80 per cent.

The hotels were also quick to point out that the action taken wasn’t meant as a slight or a lack of appreciation for local patrons, but was more out of the need to be better able to facilitate their in-house guests, especially in the beach and dining areas. 

President of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) Robin Russell agrees, stating that the discontinuation of the sale of day passes during peak season is done to have “a better customer experience”.

“What happens is when you allow day passes, they take up the amenities like beach and pool chairs. Also, the restaurant’s seatings can’t manage the extra capacity, so it causes complaints from guests staying at hotels,” he continued.

Russell added that while he could see why a local guest would be disappointed, he couldn’t say the same thing about people using the Airbnb platform, noting that there is no reason for an Airbnb guest to be going into hotels. 

“More than enough restaurants, beaches, and attractions are out there. We need to get even the hotel guests to leave the properties and go outside. The true Jamaican experience is not limited to inside the hotel walls, we also need to be highlighting more of the stuff that is on the outside,” he said.

However, with both operating from the same Ocho Rios, St Ann location, Chukka and Island Village are promising “more bang for the buck”, pointing to their wide aray of “exciting activities and amenities” while providing the perfect alternative to hotel day passes.

Khristina Rose, group marketing manager at Chukka Caribbean Adventures, said: “As hotels experience high occupancy levels during the winter tourist season, we are excited to offer local guests an appealing alternative.”

“No worries! Time spent at Chukka and Island Village Plaza guarantees an unforgettable day filled with adventure, entertainment, and relaxation. We are offering even more options for a memorable experience,” she added. 

Rose added that in partnership with Island Village, they complement the adventure-filled experiences by offering an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, noting that the plaza boasts a variety of boutiques, souvenir shops, and culinary delights, making it an ideal destination for local guests seeking an alternative to hotel day passes. 

She calls the suspension of the day passes by the hotels a “win-win” for all, pointing out that it shows the diverseness of the island’s tourism product and where locals can enjoy the same amenities as their overseas counterparts.  

“Visitors can indulge in delicious local cuisine, explore unique retail outlets, and even catch live performances, ensuring a lively and fulfilling day. They can also book tours from our tour desk to any of our locations or to other places, including Dunn’s River Falls. And don’t forget that there are activities for kids,” she continued.

She notes that with locations in St Ann, Trelawny, St Elizabeth and Hanover, Chukka has long been recognised as “the premier adventure tour operator” in Jamaica, adding that with “our extensive range of activities, including ziplining, ATV safaris, river tubing, and more, “we offer thrilling adventures amidst the stunning natural beauty of Ocho Rios. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a relaxed outing, Chukka has something to cater to every guest’s preference. And you can book any of these tours at our Island Village Outpost…just as if you were buying a day pass to a hotel”.

She adds that both Chukka and Island Village prioritise guest safety and adhere to the highest hygiene and sanitisation standards, adding that stringent protocols are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Andrew Reid, operations manager at Island Village, said: “The plaza has been open to both locals and tourists for over 20 years, adding that it has been re-imagined to be a destination offering an enticing mix of shopping and experiences with no entrance fee.”

“It’s a place where visitors can browse through a variety of stores offering everything from local crafts to international brands. The Fun Zone is free for children, who can enjoy the splash pad, lawn games or look for turtles and fish in our pond, The beach at Island Village, with its pristine white sands and inviting waters, is the ideal place to relax and soak up the Jamaican sun. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable day in Ocho Rios, don’t fret about hotel day passes! Chukka Caribbean Adventures and Island Village Plaza welcome you with open arms,” he continued.

Delano Seiveright, senior adviser and strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, says he couldn’t think of a more ideal situation where nobody is being disenfranchised based on what is happening with the best winter season in Jamaica’s history, calling the situation a “good problem to have”.