Travel Agent Education Program

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) will embark on an aggressive month-long agent Wish You Were Here education series, including 24 local market events from mid-July to mid-August, followed by a 2,000-agent fly-in during the fall.

Both programs give agents an opportunity to learn about Jamaica’s new product offerings and to interact with travel partners. The first event kicked off in Boston on July 12 and culminates in Providence on Thursday, August 12. About 2,000 agents are expected to attend over the course of the series.

“In this challenging economic environment, we are always looking for ways in which to reach new audiences, so that Jamaica remains the destination of choice for U.S. travelers,” said Jamaica’s Director of Tourism John Lynch in a written release. “We have exciting product offerings and developments to share, making it easier for our partners to reach new and loyal travel audiences.”

New properties like the Secrets Resort & Spa and The Palmyra, A Solis Resort & Spa join the existing portfolio of hotels, while Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours has been added to Jamaica’s wide range of adventure tourism outfitters. Jamaica’s Montego Bay Convention Centre, which will host CHA Marketplace in January, expands the traveler base into the larger groups and conventions market.

Wish You Were Here Education Series

Each seminar, all of which run from 6-9 p.m., will include an audio/visual presentation, an update on what’s new, Jamaican food and music, as well as an interactive trade show with partner hotels, airlines and attractions. Attendees will also receive a DVD copy of Peter Greenberg’s Hidden Gems of Jamaica, a feature of the island that was filmed last month showcasing its best tourism and cultural offerings. The seminars are all designed so travel agents can hit the ground running with exciting and diverse offerings to their clients

Schedule of Cities

1. Baltimore, July 19 at Pier 5 Hotel
2. Arlington, VA, July 20 at Sheraton Crystal City
3. Orlando, July 19 at Hilton Orlando Altamont Springs
4. Atlanta, July 20 at The Westin Buckhead Atlanta
5. Charlotte, NC, July 21 Charlotte Marriott Executive Park
6. Houston, July 19 Sheraton Houston Brookhollow
7. Dallas, July 20 at The Westin Park Central
8. Phoenix, July 21 at Phoenix Airport Marriott
9. Denver, July 22 at The Wellshire Inn
10. Orange County, CA, July 27 at Irvine Marriott
11. Los Angeles, July 28 at Olympic Collection Banquet
12. St. Louis, July 20 at Orlando Gardens Banquet
13. Chicago, July 21 at Drury Lane
14. Detroit, July 22 at Andiamo’s Italiano Banquet Center
15. Minneapolis, July 27 at Minneapolis Airport Marriott
16. Milwaukee, July 28 at Marriott Milwaukee West
17. South Portland, ME, August 9 at Wyndham Portland Hotel
18. Nashua, NH, August 10 at Crowne Plaza Nashua
19. Worcester, MA, August 11 at The Beechwood Hotel
20. Providence, August 12 at Providence Marriott Downtown

Travel agents interested in attending may contact the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).

Fall Travel Agent Fly-Ins

The Jamaica Tourist Board is also organizing a series of fly-ins targeting travel agents in the United States and Canada, following two fly-ins that took place end of June. Roughly 2,000 travel agents will be flown to the island to experience and learn first-hand about the new product offerings found in the various resort areas. The fly-ins are part of a campaign to maintain awareness and bookings to Jamaica during the Fall and Winter seasons. The agent program will take place September 10-13, September 17-20, September 24-27 and October 1-4. Interested agents should contact the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Visit http://www.visitjamaica.com/, or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).

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