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.:: Business Solutions ::. |
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Enriching the Tourist's
Experience
Among our local craft artisans are a
lucky few who have been given the
opportunity to display their skills and
peddle their wares on the grounds of
hotels.
While many of them also operate stalls
in craft markets, they will tell you
that the time spent at the hotels is
often more financially rewarding than
the 'rat race' situation in the large
craft markets.
Many hotels permit the craft artisans as
part of a wider theme, such as "Jamaica
Day" or "Caribbean Culture Day", etc.
Under the programme, the hotels have the
opportunity to guide the process by
selecting a group with each person
specializing in a particular art form,
unlike the craft markets where there are
rows and rows of stalls - all bearing
the same type of items.
To enrich the experience of the guests,
some hotels select only those
individuals who have the ability to make
original works and are capable of
demonstrating their skills in the
presence of hotel guests.
Some artisans do not like the craft
market scene and treasure their creative
work to the extent they do not wholesale
them, and prefer the controlled
environment of the hotel where they can
personally display them.
There is a great benefit to both artisan
and potential customer because the
appreciation for the craft work can be
raised as the artisan is able to
describe the process and also explain
the preservation methods.
A chat with one of the specialists,
Norma Hill of Ramble in Hanover,
illustrates the pride and creativity
involved in the preparation of their
craft item. Hill does one-of-a-kind
jewellery, utilising natural seeds. Her
collection of items with horse-eye seeds
is unusual, and she has the ability to
convert natural wearable art from plant
material.
Some do participatory activities, such
as the famous tie and dye sessions
conducted by Bernice Sinclair who is
well known in the Negril area.
Competition to get into the hotels'
craft programmes can be great and
newly-opening hotels are inundated with
applications for craft artisan spots.
Individuals who get on the programme
seriously guard their positions, and it
is not unusual to find some people on a
hotel programme for more than 10 years.
To maintain their positions on the
programme, craft artisans are usually
required to adhere to certain modes of
conduct - including wearing designated
uniforms while at the hotel. The level
of restraint in personal conduct that
can be obtained on the hotel's craft
programmes is a far cry from what is
typical within the confines of the craft
markets.
An additional feature of the craft
artisan programme is its aesthetic
value. The display of colourful items
often adds to the visual appeal at the
themed events. So popular has the craft
artisan programmes become that many
returning guests to hotels look forward
to purchasing items there instead of the
hustle and bustle style craft markets.
Rules at the hotels also encourage good
environmental practices by ensuring the
craft artisans do not utilise conch
shells or produce items made from coral.
People are able to make additional
income through the hotels' craft
programmes while promoting another
feature of Jamaican creative talent.
Through all this, a bonus benefit to
guests is that they enjoy interacting
with the craft personnel as they feel
they are getting a taste of the real
Jamaican personality as they transact
business or participate in a craft
demonstration session.
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