Tourism set to increase,as Highway 2000 has opened in Jamaica

The highway costing US$700m was built to reduce travel times between the north and south coasts of the country

Tourists visiting Jamaica can now enjoy faster traveling between Kingston and the town of Ocho Rios on the north coast.

The travel time will reduce with around 30 minutes per trip. Moreover, visitors will gain easier access to Montego Bay’s Sangster or Kingston’s Norman Manley International airports. Likewise, cruise ships passengers docking in the Ocho Rios port will have more time for shore visits.

Additionally, the 66-kilometers North-South link of Highway 2000 is set to boost tourism across the country, with construction plans of three hotels and almost 600 accommodation units currently under development.

Jamaica director of tourism, Paul Pennicook, commented:

“The newly opened North-South Highway will open up significant development opportunities and make Kingston more accessible from our major tourist regions. Not only will these developments increase tourism, but will directly benefit the local people and generate new jobs, especially for Jamaica’s next generation of up and coming tourism professionals.”

The new highway was built by China Harbour Engineering Company.