Over 40 Bond devotees gathered at the historic Port Royal property for the second stop of the ‘On the Tracks of 007’ tour, celebrating Jamaica’s enduring connection to the spy franchise.
Jamaica’s storied connection to the James Bond franchise took centre stage when the Grand Hotel Excelsior Port Royal hosted a gathering of devoted 007 fans from across the globe on Thursday, September 3. The event marked the second stop on the ‘On the Tracks of 007’ tour, drawing more than 40 Bond enthusiasts eager to explore the island’s deep ties to the legendary spy saga.
The historic Port Royal property itself stands as a living monument to Bond’s cinematic legacy. According to the Jamaica Observer, the Grand Hotel Excelsior has appeared as a filming location for ‘Dr. No,’ been referenced in ‘The Man with the Golden Gun,’ and now operates a dedicated James Bond café alongside Suite 118, unveiled in honour of the late actor Sean Connery.
Author Simon Firth brought his recently published work ‘Jamaica: On the Tracks of James Bond’ to the gathering, presenting a copy to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. Firth expressed his enthusiasm for sharing the book, while Bartlett signalled Jamaica’s commitment to leveraging the island’s Bond heritage. “I will be leafing through this book to identify the key spots to create the experiences that will excite you on your next visit,” the minister remarked, underscoring the tourism potential of the franchise’s Jamaican connections.
The event drew a diverse international crowd, including London-based television editor Rob Smith and Swedish Bond expert Anders Frejdh, who serves as talent agent and manager for Bond actor George Lazenby. Frejdh connected with Jeremy Francis, the location manager for ‘No Time to Die,’ securing an autograph for his book. The gathering also featured tastings from the hotel’s 007 Collection martini menu, keeping the spirit of Bond’s iconic cocktail culture alive.
Jamaica has maintained a prominent place in the James Bond film franchise since the earliest productions, with multiple films shot on the island and numerous locations featured throughout the series. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Port Royal, situated in the historic Port Royal area, has served as a key filming location and now functions as a cultural hub celebrating this cinematic heritage.
Jamaica’s role as a primary filming location and inspiration for the James Bond franchise represents a significant cultural and tourism asset for the Caribbean region. The island’s ability to attract international Bond enthusiasts and leverage this heritage for tourism development demonstrates how Caribbean destinations can monetize their film industry connections and cultural significance on the global stage.
Written & Edited by Orlyn Edwards. Published by Caribbean Air Force Media.
Category: News · Island routing: Jamaica