Travel Agent chatted with John Lynch, Jamaica’s director of tourism, Monday morning to get his feedback on the 1 millionth visitor welcomed at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay this past weekend.
Lynch told us the success of Jamaica is due in large part to agents.
“Jamaica has been able to hold its own this year, thanks in a large measure to our travel agents who continue to sell the destination aggressively,” he told Travel Agent. “The majority of vacations to Jamaica are sold by agents, and we continue to nurture this relationship, as this is the source of our success. In fact, over the next month, we have 2,000 agents visiting the island to get an update on the product.”
The couple, Aaron and Angela Wilson arrived in Montego Bay onboard AirTran from Baltimore. The couple, which is visiting Jamaica to celebrate their second wedding anniversary, will be staying at one of the island’s small hotels, Catch-A-Falling Star Resort in Negril.
“We are proud to be the airline that delivered the island’s one millionth visitor,” remarked Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales at AirTran Airways, in a written statement. “This is a great milestone for AirTran to be a part of, seeing that we have been offering service to this remarkable destination for six months. We look forward to a successful partnership with Jamaica as we continue to allow travelers to experience the island’s vibrant and welcoming culture.”
Aaron and Angela Wilson were greeted warmly upon arrival at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport by Lynch, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, AirTran Station Manager Owen Campbell, Co-Chairman of the Montego Bay Chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Omar Robinson and other tourism officials.
The couple was presented with a pair of tickets for future travel from any AirTran gateway, valid for one year as well as accommodations at Catch-A-Falling Star Resort for the return trip.
“Despite the challenging economic environment, Jamaica has experienced a 5.5 percent growth in arrivals up to May and indications are that the destination could continue this trend and achieve a four percent growth for 2010,” Lynch told Travel Agent.
Visit www.visitjamaica.com.