Kingston, Jamaica - Summerfest Productions - organisers of the annual reggae festival, Sumfest - say they are putting out extra effort to ensure that rooms are available for the thousands of international visitors expected for the entertainment explosion.

"This has become one of our priorities because we know that we attract a lot of visitors, and that this festival fills a lot of hotel rooms," Johnny Gouzong, executive director of Summerfest Productions stated.

Reggae Sumfest, considered the world's greatest showcase of reggae music, will take place from July 19-25 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. A beach party on the 19th followed by three days of epic live performances will captivate the thousands of tourists and Jamaicans alike who make the trek each year to the Mecca of reggae music festivals.

"We're working with a very experienced tour operator who has negotiated excellent rates with the hotels in Montego Bay, and we have established an e-mail address for persons attending the festival to contact the office in order to get information and help with booking rooms," he said.

The e-mail address is monitored daily by a team of persons who are experienced in handling complicated bookings issues, and customer service. 

"Our ultimate goal is to make it easier for people to make a decision about where they want to stay and enjoy Jamaican hospitality, while they prepare to be entertained," the festival's marketing manager, Marcia McDonnough said, while acknowledging that persons have experienced difficulties in the past with booking rooms.

"This year, with the addition of several thousand rooms in the surrounding areas, there is more than enough space to accommodate our patrons."

The festival has also devoted a section of its website to accommodation. Persons can view a list of hotels in Montego Bay, as well as read short reviews and other information on the properties. Organisers say they will continue to add more properties as the deals are finalised.

"We are putting a great deal of emphasis on the availability of rooms to our patrons. We've dedicated a great deal of website space to addressing the whole issue of travelling to Jamaica, and specifically to Montego Bay, while concentrating a lot on where to stay in Montego Bay.

"We also plan to add some hotels in Negril as well for those persons who like the laid back feel of that area and don't mind the drive. With the highway between Negril and Montego Bay, it now takes a relatively short time to get to and from," she said.

Hotel options can be found on the Reggae Sumfest official website, www.reggaesumfest.com, and Summerfest Promotions is encouraging people not only to secure their rooms early, but also to let them know of any difficulties that they might have experienced in getting the rooms or information.

While the organisers are still negotiating the acts for the usual slate of international inclusions in the line-up, some of the top-flight local acts have already been confirmed. Among them is the King of the Dancehall, Beenie Man. Last year, The Doctor, as he is also called, brought a fitting finale to Dancehall Night. This, of course, came as no surprise as he is known for excellent performances on the Sumfest stage. 
Once again joining Beenie Man on the line-up is his lyrical counterpart, Bounty Killer, whose fan base is as strong as it ever was, even with his denouncement of 'war' lyrics.

Included in this year's roster is Mavado. His Alliance counterpart and top-flight dancehall artiste Busy Signal is also on the bill. Busy is planning to storm Montego Bay with his slew of hits such as Pon Di Edge, Stamma, Trading Places, and Tic Toc.

Reigning prince and princess of reggae Tarrus Riley and Etana will also be sweetening the 2009 Sumfest offerings. In what has been a rare occurrence for the past several months, the individuals making up the reggae group Morgan Heritage will be performing together on the Sumfest stage, almost a year since they split directions in pursuit of solo projects. 
Also confirmed for the line-up is veteran reggae crooner Coco Tea.