(CaribPRNewswire)- April 2005 marks the Golden Anniversary of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). Throughout the year, the JTB will celebrate 50 years of leadership in Caribbean hospitality and tourism innovations with a calendar of special events taking place worldwide.
The events will also serve to officially thank Jamaica’s tourism partners and the industry for their contribution to Jamaica’s success as a leading tourist destination. In addition, the celebrations will showcase the diversity of the country, from its cuisine, natural beauty and adventure to its arts, music and range of accommodations.
“We are so glad for this opportunity to give back to our partners who have helped make us an innovator of Caribbean hospitality,” stated Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Throughout 2005, we will spread the spirit that makes Jamaica so unique all across the world and we invite all our friends to join us in celebrating with the Jamaica Tourist Board.”
For the past 50 years, the JTB has been charged with a mission of marketing the island’s tourism product so that Jamaica remains the premier Caribbean tourist destination. The JTB operates in a growingly competitive environment but has successfully positioned Jamaica as the world’s most complete, unique, diverse warm weather destination, offering vacationers so much more than sun, sand and sea.
Today’s visionaries, which include John Issa, Chris Blackwell, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Jason Henzell, Zein Issa and Kevin Hendrickson, continue to follow in the footsteps of the early pioneers of Jamaica’s Tourism – from Abe Issa and Nick Brimo to Desmond Segre and John Pringle, among many others who laid the groundwork of the island’s tourist industry.
The following events are scheduled for 2005, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Jamaica Tourist Board:
Events In North America
The JTB’s 50th Anniversary celebration will coincide with the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Week in New York City. On June 1, 2005, Jamaica will celebrate 50 years of culinary excellence as it co- sponsors the Central Park Conservancy’s “Taste of Summer” event with H&M. This annual gastronomical extravaganza, attended by New York’s elite, will showcase the culinary skills of Jamaica’s premier chefs and their New York counterparts.
A musical performance will bring Jamaican sounds to Central Park and a silent auction will offer prize trips to Jamaica plus additional Jamaican products. On June 2, 2005, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Hon. PJ Patterson will host “Jamaica Night at the Apollo,” an evening of Jamaican entertainment, culture and food. An audience of about 1,500 special VIPs, CTO delegates, media and travel trade will enjoy performances by today’s most soulful voices in reggae music plus an opening act by cultural performing arts troupe Ashe.
One June 3, 2005, the Marcella Martinez Award will be presented to a leader in Caribbean marketing while the Jamaica Tourist Board will recognize a journalist whose work has most encapsulated the essence of Jamaica by presenting him/her with the Marcia Vickery award.
Trade activities will take place in Canada throughout 2005.
Events In Jamaica
On-island festivities will kick off with a Press Announcement on April 5, 2005 in Kingston, when the JTB will unveil its 50th Anniversary logo and schedule of activities, including a retrospective of Jamaica’s advertising campaigns, which will be exhibited throughout the year. Church services will be held on April 10 in Kingston and Montego Bay, the island’s tourism capital.
A “Careers in Travel and Tourism Expo” will offer those seeking careers in the tourism and hospitality industry, the opportunity to network and learn more through demonstrations and information booths. Participants will include members of the accommodations, attractions, transportation, agriculture and health sectors. The second staging of the expo will take place in Montego Bay during Tourism Awareness Week from September 25- October 1, 2005.
Travel agent and special interest events will also be held in other Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, St. Lucia, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. Throughout the summer of 2005. Additionally, a commemorative coffee table book detailing the rich history of Jamaica’s tourism product has been commissioned. Margaret Curtin, a respected and established tourism historian will write this definitive guide.
Recognition Events
In September 2005, participants of the Meet-the-People program will be recognized for their commitment and excellence as ambassadors for Jamaica. These Jamaican hosts offer travelers seeking insight on an authentic Jamaican experience, an option beyond the traditional resort and beach setting into the colorful realm of Jamaica’s lifestyle, tradition and culture. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has re-launched this popular program, originally introduced in 1968, reaching out to visitors curious to explore the culture of this vibrant Caribbean island.
On October 8, 2005 the Blue Mountain Awards will recognize top trade partners in the U.S., U.K., Spain, Germany and Italy. Also in October, a 50th Anniversary Golf Invitational will coincide with the annual Celebrity Players Tournament.
