New Delhi: Jamaica Tourist Board successfully concluded an engaging tourism seminar, specially organized for DNATA Travel Dubai, at the World Expo 2020, on 22nd November 2021.
The seminar highlighted the reasons Jamaica is one of the most preferred destinations for leisure as well as corporate travel, emphasizing the varied tourism products and safety precautions available at the destination. The purpose of this seminar was to engage and strengthen the business relationship between Jamaica and the Middle East region involving DNATA, the largest tour operator in the Middle East, as well as to empower the travel trade professionals to be better able to sell vacation packages to Jamaica. This engaging session also led DNATA to establish a well-informed cadre of travel trade professionals on the Jamaican tourism product.
Being a megahit session for travel trade professionals from DNATA, the seminar was a fun-packed program including information on Jamaican hospitality, leisure, entertainment activities, and business opportunities. Torrance Lewis, District Sales Manager, Jamaica Tourist Board, London enlightened the attendees on Jamaica’s new strategies and plans for strengthening ties with the Middle East region.
Expressing the vision, Donovan White, Director of Tourism of Jamaica said, “Prior to the pandemic, Jamaica had a good promotional value in the Middle East as well as India. We expect it will take some time to regain the footfall. But we are actively working on opening up the market with many major airlines for developing new routes to travel to Jamaica and make the travel from UAE and India even more seamless.”
The Dubai Expo 2020 is the first mega-event post-pandemic which is truly global in scope and is helping overcome international reluctance to travel. Destination Jamaica aims to position itself as the most desirable and safe post-pandemic destination for a vacation and connect with people and decision-makers from all over the world, present in the Expo, to put Jamaica top of mind as a destination of choice for travelers.
Essie Gardner, Commissioner General of Section of Jamaica Pavilion at World Expo 2020 Dubai stated, “It is heart-warming to see the level of engagement from the DNATA agents. The questions they asked indicate a keen desire to know more about Jamaica and to sell the destination. I believe this is the start of a strong partnership.”
JTB also conducted a quiz and a lucky draw, specially curated for the DNATA agents. Shaun Anderson, Head of Sales, DNATA Travel management won the lucky draw and was rewarded with a 6-night stay, including air travel for two persons at a Sandals International property in Jamaica.
“A huge thank you to the Jamaica Tourist Board for giving me the opportunity to tick off one of my “bucket list” experiences! It’s a dream come true and I cannot wait to soak up all that Jamaica has to offer,” said Mr. Anderson.
About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto, and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo, and Paris.
This year, the JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the thirteenth consecutive year and Jamaica was named the Caribbean’s Leading Destination for the fifteenth consecutive year as well as the Caribbean’s Best Spa Destination and the Caribbean’s Best MICE Destination. As well, Jamaica copped the WTA’s World’s Leading Wedding Destination, the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, and the World’s Leading Family Destination. Additionally, Jamaica was awarded three gold 2020 Travvy Awards for Best Culinary Destination, Caribbean/ Bahamas; Best Tourism Board Overall and Best Tourism Board, Caribbean/ Bahamas. The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) named Jamaica the 2020 Destination of the Year for Sustainable Tourism. In 2019, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #1 Caribbean Destination and #14 Best Destination in the World. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions, and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions, and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.
