All Fore Fun In Jamaica

After two days of golfing, no shortage of Red Stripe and Appleton Rum, and special appearances by the likes of Bert and Ernie, and Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, the 23rd annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament presented by Baxter Travel Media and Sandals Resorts wrapped up in Jamaica yesterday (Oct. 29).

“It’s become an annual event that people put on their calendar. It’s a chance for industry people to get together and to network and let down their hair for three days and have a fantastic time golfing,” says Maureen Barnes-Smith, director of sales & marketing, Unique Vacations Canada/Sandals Resorts/Beaches Resorts. “I think the energy and dynamism of this group was outstanding. A lot of people were here for the first time so they got introduced not only to Jamaica, also to the Sandals and Beaches brands and to the tournament and those people have promised to come back and bring additional teams next year!”

Barnes-Smith says the success of the tournament spawned similar events for the US and Latin America trade.

In attendance for the second time, Tony Rolli, Director IT & Business Innovation at Air Canada Vacations, told PressToday members of his team were nominated to attend the tournament by their peers.

“It’s a wonderful thing Air Canada Vacations does. Every year the HR department starts a contest to nominate employees who are fitting of dedication to the company, great customer service, so every year members of Air Canada Vacations get nominated to come down for the tournament,” he says. “It’s a real honour to attend. I really enjoyed myself. I was a winner three years ago, and this year I’m accompanying the team so it really is a pleasure.”

Meanwhile travel agent Pamela Lecky of Mirabel Travel has been in attendance for nearly every year since the tournament’s inception.

“I come every year,” she says. “God’s will I’ll be here next year! I enjoy the golf and hanging around.”

Pictured above: part of the Canadian group poses with Sesame Street’s Zoe prior to a lunch held at Beaches Ocho Rios.

Stay tuned for more coverage and photos in upcoming editions of Canadian Travel Press and Travel Courier.