December marks the arrival of the festive season, where traditions, celebrations, and shared joy shape the essence of destinations worldwide. While some cherish the warmth of home, others are drawn to the allure of exploring new cultures and vibrant holiday experiences. Jamaica emerges as the ultimate destination for those seeking a tropical twist to their festive celebrations. Renowned for its lively spirit, exquisite cuisine, unparalleled hospitality, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking natural beauty, the island promises a delightful escape. As holiday events light up the country, celebrate the merry season with lively beachfront parties pulsing with island beats or with soulful gospel concerts and heartwarming church services that highlight the island’s rich traditions and cultural heritage. For families, activities like Christmas light displays and carol singing infused with reggae rhythms create magical moments to cherish. Tourists can also attend midnight mass services across the island to experience the spiritual warmth of the season. Boxing Day Celebrations include cricket matches, family gatherings, and outdoor concerts. Christmas markets and fairs are a great avenue to experience the local culture and connect with the people of Jamaica. December also heralds the much-anticipated 2025 Kingston Biennial, hosted by the National Gallery of Jamaica—the Caribbean’s largest and oldest public art museum. This prestigious event highlights leading artistic talent from Jamaica and the broader region, celebrating the vibrant creative heritage of the island. No Jamaican Christmas is complete without indulging in the island’s culinary delights. Guests can savor dishes like curried goat, roasted breadfruit, Gungo rice and peas, and escovitch fish, paired with Christmas favorites like rich Jamaican Christmas Cake soaked in a mix of spices and the refreshing sorrel drink – a hibiscus-infused beverage spiced with …
Read More »Jamaica strengthens ties with Bahrain’s luxury travel market
Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, recently concluded a successful visit to Bahrain, where he attended the prestigious Routes Conference, engaged with key travel agents and industry leaders, and held meetings with major regional airlines to explore enhanced connectivity and push for bilateral agreements. This visit is part of the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) ongoing strategy to strengthen its presence in the GCC market, positioning Jamaica as a premier travel destination while also boosting its attractiveness for foreign direct investments (FDIs). During his visit, White focused on promoting Jamaica as a premier travel destination to key representatives from travel agencies such as Orient Travel, Vacanza Bahrain, Dadabhai Travel, Bahrain International Travel, Akbar Travels, 24×7 Rooms.com, Farhat Tours & Transfers, and Travel Knits. These agencies were specifically selected for their expertise in catering to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and high-spending travelers. In a refined high-tea gathering at Café Segu, the meeting provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the travel patterns and preferences of Bahrain’s elite, particularly for destinations in the United States and the Caribbean. It also served as a platform to introduce Jamaica’s luxurious tourism offerings, including world-class resorts, exclusive villas, and unique cultural experiences, positioning the island as a top destination for the region’s discerning travelers. “Our goal is to establish long-lasting partnerships with key travel agents in Bahrain and we are committed to working closely with our partners,” said Donovan White. “By understanding the specific needs and travel preferences of its residents and citizens, we can tailor Jamaica’s tourism offerings to meet the growing demand for exclusive and luxurious experiences.” “The Middle Eastern market is increasingly looking beyond Europe for new travel experiences, and Jamaica offers exactly that—a blend …
Read More »Jamaica tourist board set to debut at the Arabian Travel Market 2022 to attract visitors from MENA region
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has announced its participation during the 2022 edition of Arabian Travel Market in a bid to develop and deepen trade relationships within the Middle East’s travel industry. During the event, visitors to the JTB stand will discover Jamaica’s world-class hotels, rejuvenating spa and wellness offerings, soft adventure activities, as well as gain familiarity with industry updates following Jamaica’s positive participation during Expo 2020. During the travel trade show, travel trade professionals will be able to explore leisure travel opportunities and learn more about the destination’s hotels, cruises and restaurants, as well as business incentives in the MICE space, in addition to investment opportunities. Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board commented: “We are excited to engage with travel and tourism professionals from the region as we look forward to welcoming travellers from the MENA region to explore “The Heartbeat of the World”. Tourism is such a key part of Jamaica’s DNA and we are excited to share how the island’s hospitality is evolving and how deeply connected we are to the Middle East.” Following their successful participation during Expo 2020 whereby the destination welcomed more than 250,000 visitors to the Jamaica Pavilion, the Jamaica Tourist Board will highlight ongoing positive discussions with Emirates Airlines to enhance connectivity with the Middle East, as well as meet new and existing trade partners as the island moves to capitalise on its popularity as an emerging holiday destination for travellers from the region. Arabian Travel Market is set to take place from 9th-12th May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, welcoming a host of key travel trade experts from across the region and beyond. The Jamaica Tourist Board …
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