The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) left no stones unturned in feting its global top 50 travel agents last week during its annual travel agent appreciation event held at the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall resort in St James. 

The top 50 agents were recognised by region and there were further recognitions for the top 10. In a departure from previous years, the top 10 finalists were not notified of their position in advance, so they were first recognised for being in the top 50, and then the top 10 were revealed as a surprise.

The three-day event included a series of partner presentations, familiarisation tours and receptions, culminating in the gala evening, during which agents were recognised for their success in selling destination Jamaica. When not on excursions or attending celebrations, the agents enjoyed the five-star, all-inclusive resort with its attractive collection of resort pools with daybeds and shaded lounge chairs, fronted with white sand beach. 

Heavy agent itinerary

Agents spent a morning session reviewing presentations from select JTB partners, including Iberostar Grand, Margaritaville, Sandals, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Island Routes, and Club Mobay. During the session, Deputy Tourism Director, Philip Rose highlighted Jamaica’s tourism has bounced back noting that so far in 2023, JTB has tracked visitor volumes up slightly over five percent higher compared to the same period in 2019. 

Rose especially lauded the comeback of the Canadian market, which is up more than 40 per cent compared to the same period. Excursions were provided by the popular vendors Chukka and Island Routes—both now pan-Caribbean excursion operators with their roots in Jamaica. 

The Island Routes excursion included a catamaran sailing with snorkeling and some beach time at Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay, where agents and accompanying sales managers from JTB could relax and enjoy some rum punch to celebrate their accomplishments. 

Director of Tourism, Donovan White talked with the agents about their importance in selling Jamaica saying, “you have continued to be our eyes and ears on the ground, and give us a temperature check. That information is priceless as it reveals critical insights and knowledge to craft more accurate initiatives. We continue to edge our way into the hearts of millions around the world and [agents] are part of every success that we have had.”