The development of the new cruise shipping pier in Falmouth spells good news for tourism in this well-preserved Georgian-era town. While the Jamaican government is taking pains to spruce up the historic buildings, refurbish and repave the roads leading to the town, the private sector is also alive to the immense potential.

The new Falmouth pier is a joint venture by the government-owned Port Authority of Jamaica and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Above: Rest stop on the Downhill Mountain Bicycle Tour

Anticipating great visitor turnout, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, the award-winning tour operator in Jamaica has confirmed that it is investing more than US$2 million to broaden its adventure tours with an emphasis on the historical importance of Falmouth, and incorporating Good Hope Estate and Great House.

Alexander Melville, Financial and Information Systems Director at Chukka Caribbean Adventures, said that the company had already secured contracts with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, which will have one of its largest ships, Oasis of the Seas, docking at the new Falmouth pier in early 2011. The cruise ship has a capacity of more than 8,400 passengers and crew.

Good Hope Estate is a coconut and cattle plantation that traces its history from the 18th century. The main attraction here is the 18^th century Great House named Good Hope. Located on 700 acres, 600 feet above sea level, the house is set against the dramatic backdrop of the blue-gray mountains and is well appreciated for its exquisite gardens and country trails.

Chukka Caribbean Adventures has leased the Good Hope Estate in order to put in several tours, including canopy tours, river tubing, horseback riding, and carriage tours. Visitors will not have far to travel to enjoy Jamaica's nature combined with fun and exhilarating activities. Chukka Caribbean Adventures does this very well and has again won the World Travel Awards Caribbean's Leading Nature Adventure Excursion Operator in 2010, the fourth consecutive year. Here Mark Melville, Co-Managing Director, tells Breaking Travel News about Chukka Caribbean Adventures expansion plans:

Guests of Silver Sands villas and cottages will now have more activities from which to choose with the plus factor being that these tours are much closer than before. Mysilversands is well placed to book all the tours offered by Chukka Caribbean Adventures for the convenience of its guests. Here is an example of the kind of exciting tours that Chukka Caribbean Adventures offers.