More than 400 travel advisors from around the world are in Jamaica to experience first-hand the country’s world-class tourism product and offerings.
Many people are not sure of the difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor.
A travel agent focuses mostly on selling travel tickets and vacation packages, and bookings, whereas a travel advisor is in more of a consultant role, crafting itineraries for individuals and groups.
Travel Advisors typically work with clients seeking more bespoke, luxury, or experiential travel and may work with the same client for several years.
The week-long initiative, dubbed ‘Sandals Jamaica Love Tour 2024’, will run from October 13 to 20.
It is being spearheaded by Sandals Resorts International in collaboration with various public and private-sector entities.
The aim is to immerse these influential professionals in the island’s first-class resorts, attractions, rich cultural heritage and more, in a bid to further promote Jamaica as a top vacation destination.
Activities kicked off on Sunday (October 13) in Montego Bay with the arrival of the travel advisors from key markets, including the United States of America (USA), Canada, United Kingdom (UK), and Latin American countries such as Brazil, Peru and Argentina.
They were given an authentic Jamaican welcome and treated to local delicacies, including the island’s famous patties and Red Stripe Beer.
Vice President of Trade Sales for Unique Vacations, USA, Garth Laird, told journalists that the warm welcome sets the tone for a week filled with activities designed to immerse the advisors in Jamaica’s vibrant tourism offerings.
During the week, the travel advisors will be engaged in excursions, community tours, and more as they immerse themselves in the island’s unique offerings.
Mr. Laird said that the week’s highlight will be a conference on October 16 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, which will feature more than 1,000 local and foreign stakeholders.
Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, with presentations from Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett and senior executives from Sandals Resorts International and Unique Vacations, which is an affiliate of Sandals.
“Further to the week, there is the Sandals Reading Road Trip, which advisors are going to take part in. Also, we’ve actually asked the advisors to participate in a programme called Pack for a Purpose, which is where they bring backpacks down to Jamaica with school supplies for the kids,” Mr. Laird informed.
Additionally, he pointed out that Sandals has collaborated with various local vendors and organisations, including MBJ Airports Limited, Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), Club MoBay, and local transportation entities to ensure a holistic experience for the visiting travel advisors.
In the meantime, travel advisors participating in the week’s events have expressed enthusiasm about promoting Jamaica’s tourism.
Kristen Alfred from Virginia in the USA underscored the importance of sharing positive experiences to encourage others to visit the country.
She is calling on hesitant travellers to give Jamaica a chance, as the island will have “you wanting to come back again and again”.
Similarly, Gayle Snow from Washington, noted that the experience in Jamaica will better enable the travel advisors to guide their clients to the island.
“I think we can steer people in the right direction and help guide them to the right fit,” she said.
Source: Jamaica GIS.
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