Jamaican Delegates (L-R):Norma Sale, Area Sales Manager, Air Jamaica; Basil Smith, Director of Tourism; Evadne Coye, Jamaican High Commissioner; Sandra Scott, Regional Manager - Canada; Anne-Marie Bonner, Jamaican Consul General; Dennis Morrison, Chairman

Basil Smith, Director of Tourism

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) presented an Appreciation Luncheon to travel agents, suppliers, and other tourism partners on Friday March 30th at the Renaissance Toronto Airport Hotel. The afternoon offered guests an opportunity to meet the Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist board, Mr. Dennis Morrison, and the Director of Tourism, Mr. Basil Smith.

Mr. Morrison discussed the improvements that Jamaica is making for the future. “Growth with regards to room count will increase up to fifty per cent by the year 2010. We are striving continually to strengthen business ties between Canada and Jamaica.”

The Chairman emphasized the importance of developing the ‘Jamaican experience’ for Canadians, especially in light of the upcoming Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), which allows tour operators and travel wholesalers to meet with suppliers.

Canadian tourist numbers are rising significantly

(L-R):Anne-Marie Bonner, Jamaican Consul General, Evadne Coye, Jamaican High Commissioner; Gary C. Sadler, Director of Sales & Marketing, Sandals

The Jamaica Tourist Board certainly has much to be thankful for. In 2006, a total of 112,252 Canadians traveled to Jamaica, marking a 31.5 per cent increase from 2005.

Canadians have already made a large impact on the 2007 visitation numbers. In January and February of this year, 45,987 Canadians visited Jamaica. This marks an increase of 28.4 per cent over last year, setting a healthy pace for 2007.

This year may see further growth in numbers, due to increased airlifts to Jamaica from the Prairie provinces. Direct flights from Regina, Saskatchewan, and Edmonton, Alberta are set to debut this year.

Sandra Scott, Regional Manager

Director of Tourism, Mr. Basil Smith, was appointed to the JTB in November 2006. A Jamaican national with extensive experience in the industry, Mr. Smith served as Deputy Director of Tourism for the JTB from 1995-1997. He has held other executive positions in marketing, tourism and information in both Jamaica and the Bahamas.

Mr. Smith discussed how the JTB would focus most of their efforts on Eastern Canada, but will also put resources towards attracting business from the Western and Prairie provinces.

Chairman Dennis Morrison has enjoyed a long career championing Jamaica in various capacities. He is currently Chairman for the JTB and for the Airports Authority of Jamaica. An economist and analyst, he also writes a regular column for the national newspaper, the Jamaica Observer.

Ms. Sandra Scott, Regional Manager – Canada for the JTB, thanked the guests for coming and “opening up Canadians’ eyes to the beauty of Jamaica, coast to coast.”
For more information about the Jamaica Tourist Board, visit www.visitjamaica.com.