The Montego Bay Convention Center in St. James, Jamaica, will receive a $200 million renovation, which government officials hope will enhance the venue’s appeal for large events and stem the financial losses the center has experienced recently.
Officials say that financial losses are in the millions since the facility opened its doors in 2011. Targeted at trade shows, conventions, and conferences, the venue was government-financed and originally owned by the Urban Development Corporation. Ownership has since been transferred to the Ministries of Tourism, Finance, and Public Service, and officials say that over the past nine months, leaders have increased revenues by 65 percent and converted a $2 million loss into a $300,000 profit.
Renovations are expected to be completed by late November when the convention center will play host to the global conference of the UN World Tourism Organization. The Jamaican government is funding the renovation costs.
