Jamaica Travel Market to boost presence in the UK

PLANS FOR Jamaica Tourist Board’s inaugural Jamaica Travel Market are in high gear with the event set to commence on September 29 at the Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa in Bedfordshire. The trade-only event will see scheduled appointments between Jamaican suppliers and partners negotiate with tour operators, travel agents, wedding planners, and representatives from the MICE sector.

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Director of Tourism Paul Pennicook will spearhead the initiative that is dedicated to Destination Jamaica.

Tourism partners and stakeholders are already registered. Some 20 suppliers are seizing this unique opportunity to engage in business-to-business discussions with major players in the marketplace within and beyond the United Kingdom (UK). Equally, the event has generated interest from more than 40 buyers, including tour operators, airlines, and industry affiliates. Additionally, representatives from the trade, consumer and diaspora media will be in attendance. Interactive workshops for travel agents, highlighting Jamaica’s offering in the wedding and honeymoon sector will also be available.

The two-day event will also recognise tour operators that contribute to Jamaica’s tourism success through the Jamaica Travel Market Awards. Awards will be presented to companies with the largest growth in room nights to Jamaica in 2015. The award categories are: UK Tour Operator, UK Travel Agent/Tour Operator, UK Online Tour Operator, UK Charter Tour Operator and Nordic Tour Operator.