Agents Reconnect With Jamaica On Fam
A select group of Canadian travel agents had an exclusive opportunity to experience Jamaica and see the country’s health and safety protocols in action during a recent FAM trip hosted by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).
Ten agents from Ontario and Quebec enjoyed a sunny week on the island accompanied by tour guide Jerron Britton, JTB Senior Business Development Manager. The trip, which took place from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, was the first JTB-organized FAM trip for Canadian agents in 2020.
Angella Bennett, regional director, Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board, said: “This trip gave Canadian travel agents an opportunity to see that Jamaica is open and the country’s protocols are hard at work.”
Bennett continued: “Retail travel partners are now armed with the first-hand knowledge and experiences they need to sell the destination to their clients this winter season.”
Canadian agents toured six different hotels and resorts while on the island: Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica, RIU Ocho Rios, Moon Palace Jamaica, Ocean Coral Springs, Royalton Blue Waters and IBEROSTAR Rose Hall. With sanitization stations throughout each property, mandatory masks in public areas and temperature checks upon arrival, agents were impressed with all of the stringent health and safety measure in place.
The group also enjoyed an excursion to the iconic Dunn’s River Falls to see how the world-class attraction has modified its operations to keep visitors and employees safe.
Feedback from agents who took part in the JTB-organized FAM trip was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants remarking that they were reassured by the protocols and truly awe-struck by beauty of the island.
Nellie Pedro of Peerless Travel said: “This is my first time in Jamaica, and I can’t wait to show the destination to my clients and bring a group over in the New Year. I’ll be back many, many times. The mountains, the ocean, the beach and the weather are just amazing. Get out of the cold winter in Canada and come to Jamaica. It is COVID safe and it’s the best thing you can do.”
Wendy Watts of Uniglobe Le Centre de Voyages, Dorval, said: “This is my first overseas trip since the start of COVID. I was not overly concerned before coming and now I’m definitely not concerned at all. I’m ready to reassure people back home that it’s safe to come. Canadians, you need to pack your things and get ready to come down to Jamaica. The protocols are all in place, its safe and sound and they are waiting for you.”
Nina Olatoye of Sky Bird Travel & Tours, said: “I love everything in Jamaica; the weather, people, culture, music, food everything.”
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Jamaica Tourist Board Senior Business Development Manager Jerron Britton (centre) hosted a group of 10 Canadian travel agents for a FAM trip that took place on the island recently.
