The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) celebrated its annual awards at the Jamaica Travel Market gala dinner during the UK travel industry show. This year, the event was held at a new venue, Sopwell House in St. Albans.
The awards recognise the UK and Nordic tour operators and agencies that have achieved the largest growth in room night production to Jamaica during 2018 and were presented by Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett MP.
In addition, Jamaican hoteliers and tourism companies voted for their favourite UK tour operator in the Jamaica Tourism Partners ‘Your Choice’ award category. On the night, to raise money for Jamaica Tourist Board’s chosen charity partner, the Sandals Foundation, one lucky winner walked away with holiday to Jamaica courtesy of Sandals and British Airways.
Winners of Jamaica Tourist Board Awards for largest business growth during 2018:
- UK Tour Operator – British Airways Holidays
- UK Travel Agency/Tour Operator – Lotus / Dial A Flight
- UK Online Tour Operator – Love Holidays
- UK Charter Tour Operator – TUI UK
- Nordic Tour Operator – Ving
- UK Long Haul Specialist Tour Operator – Kenwood Travel
- UK Caribbean Specialist Travel Company – Sackville Travel
- ‘Your Choice Award’ – Favourite UK Tour Operator – Virgin Holidays (Scott Edwards)
In its fourth year, the two-day Jamaica Travel Market offers UK buyers, planners and agents the opportunity for one-to-one networking and briefing sessions with Jamaican hoteliers, DMCs and tourism companies. Travel agents can also benefit from destination training followed by a BBQ where they can sample authentic Jamaican cuisine.
Elizabeth Fox, regional director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, commented: “We are delighted to acknowledge our valued travel partners at Jamaica Travel Market. The event provides attendees with the opportunity to meet our Jamaican suppliers and hear the latest updates from the destination in the various networking sessions.”
She continued: “With the help of our dedicated industry partners increasing business to Jamaica, this year we have seen a record number of UK visitors travelling to Jamaica this year. New hotel openings, major refurbishments and a focus on promoting the destination’s cultural experiences beyond the beach, have all contributed to this increase. Each year we receive extremely positive feedback and we hope to see more of our industry partners at next year’s event to hear more about the incredible destination of Jamaica.”
