SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE JTB SALES TEAM | |
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Dear Travel Partners,
As we approach the Festive season and the end of another year, we give thanks for our health, our happiness and the ability to travel – a pleasure we were denied over the pandemic. We are also pleased to see a new airline flying into Jamaica from London Gatwick, which commenced on Friday, 1st December – Norse Atlantic. They will fly into Montego Bay four times a week for the winter season, non-stop on their Dreamliners.
We at the Jamaica Tourist Board would like to thank you all for your support. Jamaica became the most visited island in the Caribbean from the UK in 2022, an achievement we are very proud of. 2023 looks to be a good year too and 2024 looks even better. We are excited to welcome new hotel openings in 2024 so we will have even more variety to offer your clients. Keep up to date with our newsletters for details.
In the meantime, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at JTB London – Torrance, Donovan, Jennie, Shenika, Sonja and myself.
JTB SALES TEAM
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At a successful World Travel Market, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, CD, MP, has set a new target to welcome 250,000 visitors out of the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland by 2025. This follows on the heels of Jamaica being the number one Caribbean destination among British travellers last year.
"Jamaica welcomed two hundred and thirty-four thousand UK visitors last year, making it the number destination in the Caribbean for British visitors and we plan to aggressively build on this number. With additional airlift with the upcoming Norse flight next month, along with our other long standing airline partners, I am confident we will be able to meet this target." said Minister Bartlett. The announcement was made at an exclusive media event held at the Jamaica stand at World Travel Market on Monday 06 November in London.
"We are truly grateful to be number one in the Caribbean for British travellers and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team. With this new target, it means pushing even more to achieve this goal and retain the number one spot." said Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director, UK and Nordics, Jamaica Tourist Board.
In the first half of 2023, Jamaica witnessed a significant increase in arrivals from the UK, with a remarkable 69.2% surge in overall tourist arrivals compared to 2021. This growth has resulted in record-breaking earnings exceeding two billion US dollars.
The island is poised to welcome over three million visitors at the end of the year with foreign exchange earnings of a whopping USD 4.2 billion.
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CTO TRAVEL AGENT ROADSHOW | |
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Jamaica Tourist Board recently took part in the CTO Travel Agent Roadshow in Belfast and Dublin, where approximately 30 travel agents joined the event. The session brought forth exciting developments, notably the introduction of flights from Ireland in collaboration with JetBlue, connecting travelers to the picturesque destination of Montego Bay. This presents a fantastic new opportunity for travel agents to promote and sell Jamaica with the convenience of JetBlue.
The event featured engaging presentations, and participating agents were rewarded with exciting prizes, including the chance to win a Jamaica Fam Trip. It was an enriching experience for all, fostering stronger connections and enthusiasm for promoting Jamaica as an exceptional travel destination.
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JTB AT HAYS MANAGER'S CONFERENCE | |
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The Jamaica Tourist Board attended the Hays Conference in Portugal from November 13-17, 2023. We showcased Jamaica's charm to 300+ retail managers, giving away on-the-spot prizes to add some extra excitement. Looking forward to more collaborations with Hays and other travel companies in 2024 and beyond.
Let's keep the Jamaican vibes rolling!
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SALES VISITS AND TRAINING | |
The Jamaica Rewards programme top booker incentive is currently taking place in Jamaica. Five of the top agents from the Jamaica Rewards programme will be recognised for their contributions to Jamaica’s tourism success in becoming the top Caribbean destination for the UK. | |
NORSE INAUGURAL TO MONTEGO BAY | |
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The new Norse flight from London Gatwick to Montego Bay, took to the skies on Friday, 1st December. Operating four times a week from London Gatwick, with return fares starting from £540.
Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO and Founder of Norse Atlantic Airways, expressed enthusiasm about the launch of flights to Montego Bay emphasising the airline’s dedication to providing seamless, comfortable, and memorable travel experiences.
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Norse Atlantic exclusively utilizes Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, ensuring a relaxed and comfortable journey for passengers. The cabin boasts a personal state-of-the-art entertainment experience for each seat. The Premium cabin stands out with an industry-leading 43” seat pitch and 12” recline, enabling passengers to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
With two cabin choices, Economy and Norse Premium, passengers can tailor their travel experience with a range of fares—Light, Classic, and Flextra.
Light fares offer Norse’s value option, while Flextra fares include maximum baggage allowance, two meal services, an enhanced airport and onboard experience, and increased ticket flexibility. This comprehensive selection allows travelers to customize their journey based on their preferences and priorities.
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'COME BACK TO YUM' was the theme that was expressed at the recent ''Come Dine with Us," event hosted by the JTB, in conjunction with Couples Resorts and Palladium Resorts, at the Avenue Cookery School in London, at the end of November.
Travel agents were guided through a festive Jamaican menu where they were instructed on how to prepare the dishes which included Sorrel drink cocktails, cream of butternut squash and sweet potato soup, served with ackee twists, honey jerked chicken with Jamaican dauphinoise potatoes and plantain and guava tarts for dessert.
The event gave agents a memorable hands on experience in preparing Jamaican Cuisine in time for the upcoming festive season.
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CHRISTMAS IN JAMAICA CAMPAIGN | |
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Dine out on us! The Jamaica Tourist Board will be gifting three lucky winners a £100 gift card towards a delicious meal.
Take a photo and post on your facebook page, with the hash tag:
#JAMAICAREWARDS
Full participation details can be found in the flyer below.
Winners will be selected and contacted each Friday (8th, 15th, 22nd) with instructions on how to redeem their prize.
Good luck!
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CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS WEBINAR | |
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Last week, agents joined us for our Christmas Traditions in Jamaica webinar, where Shenika and Donovan talked through all you can expect to see at a traditional Jamaican Christmas.
A competition was held at the end of the webinar where three lucky winners won rewards with Jamaica Rewards.
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Have a taste of a Jamaica over the holidays with this traditional Christmas drink. | |
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Sorrel is a popular drink for Christmas in Jamaica and can be had with or without rum added. Made from the sorrel blossoms, sorrel is sometimes called hibiscus flower as it is a relative of the better-known hibiscus flower.
In the UK, the sorrel can be purchased dried, and in fact, many Jamaicans dry their sorrel to use at a later date.
To make this bright red Christmas drink, you will need:
- 5 1/4 ounces (150g; about 3 cups) dried sorrel (hibiscus), rinsed with cold water in a colander.
- 3/4 pound (350g) peel-on fresh ginger, washed and grated
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 10 whole cloves
- 10 allspice berries,
- 2.5 cups sugar
DIRECTIONS
- In a 4- or 5-quart pot, bring 3 quarts water to a boil. Add sorrel, grated ginger, cloves, and crushed allspice, and boil until the sorrel begins to plump and swell, about 8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand until cooled, then continue to steep at least 8 hours and up to 3 days for best taste.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or through cheesecloth into a large pitcher, pressing on solids to express as much liquid as possible and discard solids.
- Add a cup of overproof white rum (optional)
- Chill until ready to drink. Serve over ice.
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SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE JTB | | | | |
