Jamaica Pop-Up Party Helps Launch Sunwing Flights
A four-day Feel the Vibe Jamaica Pop Up Shop in Vancouver wrapped up operations earlier this week, but more long term effects are anticipated as a result, with the start of new flights to Jamaica from YVR.
The Jamaica Tourist Board invited Vancouverites to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Jamaica through the colourful and interactive pop-up shop, which was set up in the Yaletown neighbourhood of the city. It opened in the afternoons at 4 p.m. and closed late – 12 midnight on Thursday, Friday and Sunday and at 2 a.m. on Saturday.
The mini-Jamaica shop was designed to help travellers fall in love with Jamaica in advance of a vacation. It had a “beach” area for lounging, Jamaican drinks and food, and live music and dance showcasing Jamaica’s popular music genres, including reggae, roots and ska. Each evening featured a Jamaican “Patty Hour” for the after-work crowd featuring Jamaican patties, cocktail specials and Red Stripe, the iconic beer of the island nation.
The event coincided with Sunwing’s announcement of new direct flights from Vancouver to Montego Bay this winter, the first time that the island has been accessible via a direct flight service from YVR. Sunwing will operate weekly fleets between Dec. 19 and April 17, 2018. Once the service commences, the carrier is expected to be the only airline offering the route direct from Vancouver.
All visitors to the pop up shop were eligible to win a grand prize of a seven-day, all-inclusive vacation package for two, including return flights on the new Vancouver flight service, and accommodations at the recently opened Sensatori Azul Beach Resort Jamaica in Negril.
Pictured at the pop-up shop are (l-r) Emma Madsen, BDM Western Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board; Philip Rose, regional director Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board; Rachel Goldrick, senior corporate communications manager for Sunwing Travel Group; and Graeme Franklin, director of sales, Western Canada for SunwingTravel Group. (Corey Poluk photo)
