Jamaica - Once You Go You Know
In order to best serve our clients, Incredible Journey agents participate in continual training related to the travel industry. This year alone I’ve completed 36 training modules, three of which were destination or product familiarization trips.
Jamaica’s marketing tagline is ”Once you go, you’ll know.” The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) recently completed an unprecedented push to bring travel agents to Jamaica to assess the island first hand. For four weekends in September and October, they flew in 2,000 travel agents from the U.S. — 500 agents at a shot. I was one of the lucky participants. Below is my take on the destination and my recent experience.
I believe Jamaica is a wonderful Caribbean destination for many travelers. Jamaica stands tall in terms of hotel product, roads, and attractions. The major areas of Jamaica are Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, and South Coast. There are all levels of accommodations available throughout Jamaica and something for everyone exists in Jamaica.
My last visit to Jamaica was four years ago and the most significant changes I saw during my recent visit was with the airport facility and island’s roads — a huge improvement since my last visit.
During the FAM, participating agents visited resort areas on the island’s north shore, from Negril to Ocho Rios, as well as in Montego Bay.
Favorite destination for families, honeymooners and spring breakers, Negril’s picturesque coast, lined with towering cliffs and bustling beaches, is home to many world-class all-inclusive resorts, as well as nightlife hotspots.
From the natural beauty of its waterfalls, rivers and beaches to the grandeur of its all-inclusive resorts, “Ochi” is a favorite destination for all types of travelers, including eco-tourists, families, and sports buffs.
The last time I was in Jamaica I stayed in Ocho Rios; this time I was stayed in and toured accommodations in Montego Bay. It was good to explore another part of the island. After hours agents got together and shared their thoughts on the day’s activities.
With its “Hip Strip” booming with shops, restaurants and clubs, championship golf courses on lavish resorts, and legendary Colonial great houses - Montego Bay’s juxtaposition of natural beauty and man-made luxury make it a beloved destination of global travelers.
During my visit I visited moderate to ultra luxury properties (including Altamont West Hotel, Grand Palladium Resort, Hilton Rose Hall, Sandals Mobay, RIU Mobay, Holiday Inn and Sandals White House on the South Coast). I walked away from the week reinforced in my belief that Sandals Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts offers the most bang for the buck for most clients seeking a fabulous Caribbean all-inclusive resort experience. The beach party at Sandals Cay, Montego Bay during our visit was just awesome! Friendly people, fabulous food, wonderful entertainment and an incredible location.
In Jamaica, Sandals Royal Plantation and Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa were listed in the top 30 Caribbean resorts in the 2010 Conde Nast Traveler Gold List. Also included were the Jamaica Inn, Couples Swept Away, Rockhouse, Couples Sans Souci and Half Moon.
What’s new in Jamaica? In addition to new resorts and attractions, Jamaica has two major projects under construction. The first of these is the $51.7 million Montego Bay Convention Centre, which is on track to open in January 2011 in time for the arrival of its first group, Caribbean Marketplace 2011. Equally impressive is the creation of the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port, which is overseen by Royal Caribbean International (RCI). The port will have a major impact on the island’s cruise tourism; RCI’s biggest ship, Oasis of the Seas, will call on the new harbor when it opens in January.
Why consider a vacation in Jamaica? Climate Jamaica enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and humid conditions year-round. The island sees two rainy seasons from May to June and September to November. Also, hurricanes may pass over the island primarily during the months June to September. Language The official language of Jamaica is English. Electricity The electrical supply in Jamaica is 110 volts/50 cycles standard, and electrical appliances use plugs that are two-pronged and flat (such as those used in the United States).
One of the many things that people love about Jamaica is the never-ending list of things to do and activities that appeal to almost anyone. You have mountainous terrain for the hikers and adventurers who like to do mountain climbing and hiking in the mountains in the center of the island. The cultural center has a mixture of many cultures yet still maintains its own identity that is unique to Jamaica. The golf courses in Jamaica are some of the best in the world. The weather is temperate and mild year round. And of course being an island, you have miles and miles of pristine beaches and crystal clear waters of the Atlantic ocean in which to frolic.
Jamaica is home to the “all-inclusive resort”, where this type of resort got its start. In this type of resort, everything is included at one price, so you know how much you need to spend before you even leave home. Many people go directly to the resort and have no need to step outside the resort until it is time for them to go home! In these resorts, you have many activities like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, lounging by the pool, shopping, even golfing. Some of these resorts have bike tracks with bikes that can be rented if you wish to get a bit of exercise on your vacation.
Couples and teens will enjoy the Jamaican nightlife, which are hopping every night with reggae music and live performers. For younger children, there are a variety of activities also, including nature trails, hikes, and beach fun. In fact, some of the all-inclusive resorts can provide a baby-sitting service with licensed and trained baby-sitters who can keep your children occupied and entertained for hours, including a pirate treasure hunt!
It's no wonder that once you have visited Jamaica, you will want to come back time and time again, since it is one of few destinations that offers something for everyone, and it really takes more than one vacation to even have time to do everything that Jamaica offers for the family vacation!
So, if you’re looking for an ideal vacation destination contact pat@incrediblejourney.net to arrange what could be the best vacation you have ever taken. Remember what they say about Jamaica, “When you go, you’ll know.”
