TORONTO — Over 200 travel professionals convened at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto last week for the Jamaica Tourist Board’s kick-off to the winter season, showcasing the island’s abundant cultural legacy as well as updates on the numerous resorts and attractions Canadians enjoy year after year. “The industry is back. Are we back or are we back?” asked Dan Hamilton, District Sales Manager for the JTB.
“Although we have seen you several times with our supplier partner events, we still want to meet with you. We still want you to know how important you are to our business. We appreciate you and are glad you are here,” added Hamilton.
As the peak of the winter season bookings for sun destinations approach, the JTB has kept busy participating in tour operator launches and various events over the past several weeks and months. And they don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, they are ramping up activities and plowing full steam ahead.
And how can they not be? After coming off a prolific year, with over 4.1 million visitors in 2023, an 11% increase in arrivals in the first quarter of 2024, and a 42% repeat guest rate – all a true testament to the island’s success – the JTB is staying Jamaica strong in bolstering their efforts to maintain and even surpass this year’s momentum. With a newly expanded and energetic business development team in tow, they are poised to do just that.
Rounding out the event was an educational session highligh.