THIS past weekend the Jazz and Blues festival injected an additional $3 billion into the local economy of western Jamaica. Without a doubt, the annual event has continued to fuel tourism, business, travel and other interests when it is staged in January.

Business interests including hoteliers, restaurants and vendors may have earned approximately $1 billion a day over the three major nights January 27-29.

Walter Elmore of Turnkey Productions, producers of the festival, says that the event turns over significant revenue for the parishes of Western Jamaica each year.

“Easily almost a billion dollars a day is spent during the period of the Jamaica Jazz fest. When you consider that five to six thousand rooms are solidly booked at an average of US$350 per room, that alone translates into over US$2 million or $1.5 billion over the entire event. In addition to this are taxes and meals, which on average amounts to about US$170 per day per person,” Mr Elmore disclosed.

In spite of the downturn in the economy last year and loss of several sponsors, the event managed to still attract some corporate support.

Heineken, the world’s premium lager, now in its tenth year of sponsorship, returned as a platinumsponsor and also rebranded and revamped the small stage.

Heineken brand manager, Keri Ann McKenzie- Evans said that the festival is a staple on the entertainment calendar and is one that strongly supports brand Jamaica.

“Heineken is all about Brand Jamaica and promoting that brand. The Jazz and Blues festival is one of the major events that succeed in fulfilling that objective,” Mrs Evans said.

“The association of the festival puts two international and premium brands together. When we sponsor a festival like this, it is also to continue our support for music in Jamaica like we do with green synergy. Sponsoring the talent stage ensures awareness of the talented singers we have here in Jamaica to a different audience that enjoys a different type of music,” she added.

Heineken erected a booth in the design of a keg, the response was overwhelming with over 2000 patrons visiting the booth and stage nightly.

“We sold over 200 cases of Heineken cans at the bars at the event. This does not include our additional selling of extra cold draught,” she disclosed.