Jamaica’s top 50 travel specialists drive $184m in room night sales for 2024
Jamaica’s top 50 travel specialists drive $184m in room night sales for 2024 . WESTERN BUREAU: Jamaica’s top 50 travel specialists have once again proven their mettle, collectively selling an astounding 210,000 room nights in 2024, generating US$1.15 million (J$184 million) in revenue. This remarkable achievement underscores...
The Gleaner
WESTERN BUREAU:

Jamaica’s top 50 travel specialists have once again proven their mettle, collectively selling an astounding 210,000 room nights in 2024, generating US$1.15 million (J$184 million) in revenue.

This remarkable achievement underscores their pivotal role in promoting the island as a premier tourist destination.

In an interview at the annual One Love Affair recognition ceremony at the new Princess Grand Resort in Green Island, Hanover last Saturday night, Karlene Shakes, national sales manager at the Jamaica Tourist Board, North America, hailed the unwavering dedication of these travel specialists, emphasising their importance in keeping Jamaica top of mind for travellers from North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Shakes noted that much of the business originates from the northeastern United States (US), but the southeastern region has been gaining traction due to increased flight connectivity.

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“Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi are key markets for us,” Shakes explained. “The connectivity to cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale has always been strong, and with the resumption of flights by Caribbean Airlines on December 17, we’ll see even greater accessibility for travellers heading to Jamaica.”

Shakes also reflected on the role travel specialists played during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When the world was shutting down, our agents were calling, asking how they could help. They knew how critical tourism is to Jamaica’s economy. Their efforts ensured that even during the pandemic, Jamaica remained open and continued welcoming visitors. These agents are truly our super partners.”

Among those celebrated was Lindsey Johnson of Tropics Travel, Kentucky, in the US, the top-performing producer for the fifth consecutive year. Johnson, who has been selling Jamaica since 2006, attributes her success to a genuine love for the island.

“Jamaica is an easy sell for me because I love it so much,” Johnson shared. “When clients come to me and aren’t sure where to go, I always suggest Jamaica because of its people, culture, and atmosphere. It’s everything you want in a destination.”

‘Family environment’

Johnson also highlighted the strong relationships she has built with resort partners over the years, particularly with Couples Resorts.

“It’s a family environment. I can reach out to one person and get things sorted quickly, which makes my job so much easier,” she said.

Addressing concerns, clients sometimes express about travel advisories, Johnson remained unwavering in her support of Jamaica.

“People ask about safety, but I tell them I’ve been to Jamaica multiple times in the past year, even with my three kids, and it’s always been fine. If you act responsibly, Jamaica is as safe as anywhere else. I always remind them – bad things can happen anywhere, even in their own cities, if they’re careless.”

Jamaica’s Dave Chin Tung of Go Jamaica Travel, was the only agency in the Caribbean to be recognised among the 50 specialists, and he also made it into the top 10 producers. No stranger to these awards, Chin Tung is multiple winner of the World Travel Awards as well.

“In the past two years I have been in the top seven and this year I am number six. I was very surprised, owing to my knowledge of the amount of work the others have been doing to sell Jamaica to their clients.”

Go Jamaica’s clients are from the US, Canada, UK, Spain, India, Bulgaria and Trinidad and Tobago.

As the Jamaica Tourist Board continues to strengthen partnerships with travel specialists, the results speak for themselves.

Shakes expressed her gratitude, saying, “These agents are not just sellers of a destination, they are storytellers, ambassadors, and champions of Brand Jamaica. Their commitment to our success is unmatched, and we are eternally grateful.”

With the momentum of 2024’s achievements, Shakes and her team are optimistic about the future, particularly as Jamaica pivots towards expanding its offerings in the luxury market. The continued collaboration between the JTB and its trusted travel specialists is set to ensure that Jamaica remains a top choice for travellers worldwide.

“They know that we are always behind their success,” Shakes concluded. “Their support is invaluable, and we will continue to work together to make Jamaica the first pick for every traveller dreaming of paradise.”

The top 5 agents are:

Lindsey Johnson – Tropics Travel

Dawn Rzepka – Luxe Destination Weddings

Michelle Wiseman – Tom Tours

David Parker – All the Way Travel

Donna Daniels – Fox Travel/American Express
Jamaica
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2024-12-16
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WESTERN BUREAU: Jamaica’s top 50 travel specialists have once again proven their mettle, collectively selling an astounding 210,000 room nights in 2024, generating US$1.15 million (J$184 million) in revenue. This remarkable achievement underscores...
Jamaica’s top 50 travel specialists drive $184m in room night sales for 2024