Jamaica upbeat about upcoming season

Hosting a luncheon for representatives from some of Canada’s leading tour operators — Thomas Cook, Air Canada Vacations, Westjet and Air Transat among others — in Toronto recently and pictured here are: Philip Rose, JTB regional director, Canada; John Lynch, director of tourism, JTB; Edith Baxter, editor-in-chief, Canadian Travel Press and Travel Courier; and Paul Pennicook, chairman of Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC). Lynch told his travel trade audience that tourism to Jamaica was up by 7% for the first half of 2012. Although content with the figures, Lynch and Pennicook are looking forward to a decidedly substantial increase which is evidenced by the number out of the U.K. Lynch pointed to the bright spotlight on Jamaican athletes during the recent summer Olympics held in London and where Usain Bolt became the poster boy (and triple gold medal winner) for Jamaica. Hoping for a bumper crop of snow is also on their wish list. The Jamaica Tourist Board was voted Favourite Tourist Board by Canadian travel agents in the 14th annual Agents’ Choice Awards poll in 2012.