At WTM, the Jamaica Tourist Board outlined how it is engaging with agents through incentives, fam trips and training, along with this, Donovan White, Jamaica Tourist Boards director of tourism, highlighted his optimism for 2022.
The Jamaica Tourist Board continued engagement with travel agents throughout the pandemic, with a host of training opportunities, virtual meet-ups, and general updates. One way this was done is through the agent destination magazine 'JAMAICA Virtual Vibes', which is released every Wednesday at 3:30pm. The interactive sessions contains updates to protocols and the destination, and even offers 'The Spirited Report' which takes agents on a virtual trip to a range of bars in Jamaica, whilst sharing a range of recipes from local bartenders. Register here.
The tourist board is still helping travel agents to celebrate their birthday with a virtual birthday party - the 'Come Celebrate With Us' initiative. In collaboration with Ocean Coral Spring resort in Montego Bay. Calls will feature a birthday toast, cake cutting, singing, dancing and cooking demonstrations. Up to 2,000 agents who join in will be entered into a draw to win a seven-night, stay, with four-flights included, at the Ocean Coral spring resort. Winners will be chosen in April 2022. Agents wanting to participate should email jcahill@visitjamaica.com with their name, agency, date of birth, contact number and postal address.
When fam trips restart in Q1 of 2022, the focus will be on themed trips, covering aspects such as luxury and romance, among other themes. The tourist board will be offering its Jamaica specialist fam trips, for those mainstream sellers who specialise in niche areas.
Currently, agents who book a client holiday to Jamaica are having their rewards tripled, so instead of the usual ?5 per bookings, agents can now make ?10 per booking made until the end of the year.
Speaking to Travel Bulletin, Jamaica Tourist Board's director of tourism, Donovan White, said, "We're happy that things are almost back to normal. We're back to about 80% of the capacity that we had in 2019 for the winter months. We've been told by our airlift partners that the appetite is such that we will most likely grow capacity into the summer - these levels are certainly encouraging for us." said Donovan White.
"2022 is set to be a big year for Jamaica, as it is the country's 60th anniversary since independence. There will be a lot of focus by the government to curate heritage and culture, and to present this to tourists. 90% of our tourism aspects are in the 'Resilient Corridor', which is our chief bubble - a safe zone for tourists. This is designed to allow tourists to move freely."
Ending off with an optimistic message, Donavon White stated: "Jamaica has worked hard over these last two years to make the destination safe and secure for visitors. I take great pleasure in thanking and welcoming tourists who choose Jamaica and hope to see them again soon."
Learn and earn with the Jamaica Tourist Board with its rewards programme
