Island Vibes Newsletter April 2013 - Jamaica Tourist Board

JAMAICA
All the Latest News for UK Travel Agents
Island Vibes
JTB NEWS
TRAVEL AGENT EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
WHAT’S NEW IN HOTELS
ATTRACTION NEWS
MAY AND JUNE 2013 PACKAGES TO JAMAICA

JTB News
JTB TREATS TRAVEL AGENTS TO NIGHT AT
THE CORAL ROMFORD GREYHOUND STADIUM
The Jamaica Tourist Board treated 100 travel agents in Essex
to a night at the Coral Romford Greyhound Stadium on
13 March 2013. During the evening, guests enjoyed
Jamaican rum punch, a three-course meal including Jamaican
jerk chicken, entertainment from a traditional steel band and
informative presentations on Destination Jamaica in the
stadium’s Pavilion Room. Guests also entered a prize draw
and eight lucky travel agents won prizes, including Jamaica
goody bags, a place on the fam trip to Jamaica in April 2013
and a top prize of a five-night stay at a Secrets resort in
Montego Bay. The Jamaica Tourist Board sponsored the
fourth greyhound race of the evening, which was won by the
aptly named “Ah Yes Man”.
JAMAICA NIGHT AT CORAL ROMFORD GREYHOUND STADIUM
JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD TREATS TOUR
OPERATORS TO JAMAICAN HOSPITALITY AT
THE ANNUAL UNITE CARIBBEAN EVENT 2013
After the day’s meetings at the annual Unite Caribbean event
on 11 March 2013, the Jamaica Tourist Board invited tour
operators to enjoy some Jamaican hospitality at The Cos Bar
in Blackfriars. During the evening, guests were also treated
to the first showcasing of a collection of award-winning,
vintage Jamaican ads from the 1960s and 70s which were
designed by John Pringle, founder of Round Hill and
Jamaica’s first Director of Tourism. Recently digitised and
reproduced, the ads highlight Jamaica’s cultural and
historical diversity.
CELEBRITY CHEF JONATHAN PHANG
COOKS ISLAND STYLE IN JAMAICA
Celebrity chef Jonathan Phang immerses himself in Caribbean
cuisine for his new show, “Jonathan Phang's Caribbean
Cookbook”. Join Phang on this exciting journey as he learns
how to cook dynamic Jamaican cuisine such as Ital food from
music legend Mutabaruka and authentic jerk, Jamaica's most
famous dish, in traditional jerk shacks. Inspired by the local
cuisine, Phang cooks up his own Jamaican specialities in
beautiful locations across the island. The programme will air
on The Food Network on 23 April 2013. For more information
and to watch the episodes, visit The Food Network.
JONATHAN PHANG’S
CARIBBEAN COOKBOOK
UNITE CARIBBEAN 2013
COMPETITION
April showers
bring new flowers
Tweet your favourite
Jamaican flower to @jtbuk
including the hashtag
#jamaicanaturallybeautiful for
a chance to win a bouquet of
spring flowers from the
Jamaica Tourist Board
COMPETITION

Travel Agent Events
MIDLANDS SALES BLITZ
(9-12 APRIL 2013)
The Jamaica Tourist Board is holding a
Midlands Sales Blitz from 9-12 April,
during which we will be visiting travel
shops in the area and updating agents on
the latest news for Destination Jamaica.
During the Sales Blitz, we will host a
Travel Agent Night on 10 April at the
popular Bar Risa in Birmingham. If you are
based in the Midlands and would like us
to pop in, or to register your attendance
at the Travel Agent Night, please email
mail@visitjamaica.uk.com.
“THINK YOU KNOW JAMAICA”
WEBINAR (13 MAY 2013)
Join us at 10.30 on 13 May 2013 for our
latest webinar, "Think you know
Jamaica" This interactive learning
session will include fun quizzes and the
most knowledgeable agents will scoop
exciting prizes. Take our Jamaica Travel
Specialist course beforehand to increase
your chances of winning a prize.
To sign up for the webinar,
email mail@visitjamaica.uk.com.

Upcoming Events
Jamaica is jamming with events during May and June, as the
island celebrates Jamaican athletics, fashion and sport. Whether
you are heading to Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios or Montego
Bay, there is a host of activities and performances to enjoy.
JAMAICA INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONAL
ATHLETIC MEET (4 MAY 2013)
The annual track and field competition, Jamaica International
Invitational Athletic Meet, will take place at the National Stadium
in Kingston on 4 May 2013 as part of the IAAF World Challenge
Meetings. Tickets go on sale on 1 May 2013 and cost from
J$5,000. For more information, visit Jamaica International
Invitational Athletic Meet.
JAMAICA ATHLETICS*
STYLE WEEK JAMAICA (20 - 26 MAY)
This annual celebration of Caribbean fashion is a five-day
extravaganza of outdoor shows and parties at heritage sites
around Jamaica's capital city, Kingston. The event has gained
international recognition in the fashion world due to its
vibrant atmosphere and edgy, island-focused take on fashion.
For more information, visit Style Week Jamaica.
Did you know
that Jamaica is
approximately the
size of Northern
Ireland
STYLE WEEK JAMAICA
FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIER –
JAMAICA v. MEXICO (4 JUNE 2013)
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz have reached the final round of the
2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches. The final round will
begin on 6 February and end on 15 October 2013, with the
top three teams securing a place in the 2014 FIFA World Cup
in Brazil, while the fourth place team will face New Zealand or
New Caledonia in a playoff for the final spot. To keep
up-to-date with Jamaica’s “Mission to Rio” campaign,
visit The Reggae Boyz.
* Image courtesy of Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association
** Image courtesy of Jamaica Football Federation
JAMAICA'S REGGAE BOYZ**

What’s New in Hotels
JAMAICA INN INTRODUCES
BABYMOON PACKAGE
Jamaica Inn has introduced a special package for pregnant
guests, offering expectant mothers a nurturing retreat as they
prepare for parenthood. The “Nurturing Mother-To-Be” package
includes a refreshing botanical facial, therapeutic spa manicure
and pedicure and holistic pregnancy massage. Package costs
US$308 (approx. £206). For more information, visit Jamaica Inn
Baby Moon.
JAMAICA INN
BLUE DIAMOND HOTELS & RESORTS TO OPEN
NEW JAMAICA HOTEL IN OCTOBER 2013
Blue Diamond Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of
all-inclusive hotel, Royalton White Sands, in Montego Bay in
October 2013. Formerly the Breezes Trelawny Resort & Spa, the
hotel will undergo an extensive renovation and facilities will
include a private beach, four swimming pools, spa,
complimentary non-motorised water sports, five restaurants, four
bars and a nightclub. Families and couples alike will be catered
for with a daily supervised children’s activities programme and
exclusive “Club” and “Honeymoon” areas. For more information,
visit Royalton Resorts.
THE TRIDENT HOTEL AND TRIDENT CASTLE
GRAND OPENING
Geejam Collection will unveil its new-look Port Antonio property,
The Trident Hotel, with a grand opening on 15 April 2013
following an extensive renovation. The hotel features 13 villas with
private heated plunge pools and terraces overlooking the sea,
and amenities including outdoor soaking tubs, steam rooms,
infinity pool, yoga deck, spa treatment room and private beach.
The historic Trident Castle has also undergone a refurbishment
and features eight en-suite guestrooms, ballroom, banquet hall,
state-of-the-art photography studio, helicopter pad and private
chapel. For more information, visit Trident Port Antonio.
SANDALS AND BEACHES INTRODUCE GREAT
INCENTIVES ON GROUP BOOKINGS
With Sandals’ ‘Sell & Go’ scheme, agents making a group booking
of 10 rooms will receive a minimum of one free week for two in a
concierge room at a Sandals, Beaches or Grand Pineapple Beach
resort, £75 worth of Love to Shop Vouchers and £150 towards a
team night out. Guests can also benefit from Sandals and Beaches’
new group booking rewards, receiving one room free of charge for
every five rooms booked and paid for, as well as complimentary
benefits including upgrades for VIPs, private cocktail receptions
and gala dinners. This offer is available in any room category and is
combinable with savings of up to 35% off plus one free night and
airfare credits. For more information, terms and conditions, visit
Selling Sandals or Sandals Groups.
THE TRIDENT HOTEL
AGENT INCENTIVES
IAVRA INTRODUCES VILLA RENTAL
PROPERTIES IN JAMAICA
There is no better way to experience Jamaica than from a private
beachside villa, charming cottage or luxurious ocean-view estate.
And now with IAVRA, your trade-facing holiday rental platform,
you can access an extensive portfolio of professionally managed
Jamaican rental properties as well as properties across 51 other
countries with ease. Sign-up now with special promotion code
“Jamaica” for your two-month extended free trial to the platform
and join the thousands of agents who are already earning great
commissions from the fastest-growing accommodation choice for
travellers worldwide. For more information, visit IAVRA.
VILLA RENTAL PROPERTIES

Attraction News
LADY G'DIVER TO PROVIDE WATERSPORTS
AT NEWLY-OPENED TRIDENT HOTEL
Guests at Geejam Collection's newly renovated Trident Hotel in
Port Antonio will be able to enjoy watersports with scuba diving
specialist Lady G'Diver. Run for 35 years by local Master Scuba
Diver Trainer, Jan Widener, Lady G'Diver offers deep dives,
photography dives and other speciality dives, with exciting walls,
canyons, overhangs and swim-throughs. Diving trips are limited to
a maximum of six people, and participants are grouped to
complement each person's experience level. Dive sites fan out to
the east of Port Antonio's new marina, along the coastline to
Winifred Beach for around eight miles of interconnected coral
reefs and walls. For more information, visit Lady G'Diver.
TOURWISE LAUNCHES SILVER SANDS
BEACH EXPERIENCE
Tourwise has launched a new tour, the Silver Sands Beach
Experience. Guests can relax on a privately-owned natural beach
before climbing the famous Dunn’s River Falls and browsing a
craft market. The tour costs $82 (approx. £55) per person,
departing from Ocho Rios/Runaway Bay and Falmouth. Price
includes coach transfers, beach entrance fee, a welcome drink of
fruit punch, sun-beds and parasols, and Dunn’s River Falls
entrance fee. To book, email sales@tourwiseltd.com
LADY G’DIVER
JEWEL RUNAWAY BAY BEACH & GOLF RESORT
ANNOUNCES NEW WATERPARK
Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort has announced the
opening of a spectacular new waterpark adjacent to the resort in
2013. The multi-acre playground will feature a jungle river
segment, raft ride, 32-foot enclosed body slide leading to a giant
splash pool, kid-friendly beach section with waterfalls and
multilevel play unit, and a lazy river. Look out for further updates at
Jewel Runaway Bay.
TOURWISE
JEWEL RUNAWAY BAY BEACH & GOLF RESORT

May and June 2013 Packages to Jamaica
SEVEN-NIGHT PACKAGE AT ROSE HALL
RESORT & SPA FROM £1,255 PER PERSON,
SAVING UP TO £178
Virgin Holidays is offering a seven-night package at Rose Hall
Resort & Spa from £1,255 per person, saving up to £178. Offer
includes scheduled flights from London Gatwick, transfers and
seven nights all-inclusive accommodation. Offer based on two
adults sharing a standard room, departing on 1 May 2013. To book,
call 0844 557 3859 or visit Virgin Holidays.
SEVEN-NIGHT PACKAGE AT STRAWBERRY HILL
FROM £1,500 PER PERSON
Tropic Breeze is offering a seven-night package at Strawberry Hill
from £1,500 per person. Offer includes flights from London
Gatwick, transfers and seven nights bed-and-breakfast
accommodation. Offer based on two adults sharing a one-bedroom
suite, departing in June 2013. To book, call 01752 880 880
or visit Tropic Breeze.
ROSE HALL RESORT & SPA
SEVEN-NIGHT PACKAGE AT SANDALS ROYAL
CARIBBEAN RESORT & PRIVATE ISLAND
FROM £1,839 PER PERSON, SAVING UP TO
£669 PER COUPLE
Kuoni is offering a seven-night package at Sandals Royal
Caribbean Resort & Private Island from £1,839 per person, saving
up to £669 per couple. Offer includes flights from London
Gatwick, group transfers and seven nights all-inclusive
accommodation. Offer based on two people sharing a Deluxe
Room, departing on selected dates in June 2013. To book, call
01306 747 008 or visit Kuoni and quote “JM0025”.
STRAWBERRY HILL
SEVEN-NIGHT PACKAGE AT COUPLES
TOWER ISLE FROM £1,550 PER PERSON,
SAVING OVER £265 PER PERSON
Tropic Breeze is offering a seven-night package at Couples Tower
Isle from £1,550 per person, saving over £265 per person. Offer
includes flights from London Gatwick, transfers and seven nights
all-inclusive accommodation. Offer based on two adults sharing a
Deluxe Garden Room, departing in June 2013. To book, call 01752
880 880 or visit Tropic Breeze.
Did you know that
Jamaica had electricity,
SANDALS ROYAL CARIBBEAN RESORT & PRIVATE ISLAND
running water and phone cards
before the USA
COUPLES TOWER ISLE

The Jamaica Tourist Board Team
Elizabeth Fox,
Regional Director for UK
and Northern Europe
Torrance Lewis,
District Sales Manager
Donovan Donaldson
Sales Representative
Elizabeth is responsible
for the overall marketing
strategy for Jamaica in the
UK, Ireland and Nordic Region.
Torrance is responsible for
the sales team and sales
activity in the UK, Ireland
and UK meeting planners.
Donovan's key role is
to liaise with the travel
agents and tour operators
throughout the UK.
Yollette Scarlett
Sales Support Executive
Antoinette Charles
PA to Regional Director
UK and Northern Europe
Karen Misick
Marketing Representative
Yollette looks after admin
and provides the sales team
with support, arranging trade
events and travel agent training.
Antoinette is on hand to
answer all your questions
regarding Jamaica.
Karen's key role is to liaise
with the travel agents and
tour operators throughout
the Greater London area.
HOW TO REACH US
Jamaica Tourist Board UK Office: 1 Prince Consort Rd, London SW7 2BZ, UK
Phone: +44 (0) 207 225 9090 Fax: +44 (0) 207 225 1020 Email: mail@visitjamaica.uk.com www.visitjamaica.com