MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Jamaica officially kicked off its Winter 2009/2010 Travel Season on December 15. The first visitors welcomed to the island were a couple from the Washington, D.C. area that traveled to Montego Bay onboard an Air Jamaica flight that originated in Baltimore. The couple is staying at Iberostar Rose Hall Suites in Montego Bay where they plan to marry on Saturday.
“We are pleased to welcome our first winter visitors of the season. Despite the economic challenges of the past year, we are proud that Jamaica remains the preferred Caribbean destination for a winter getaway,” noted John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Jamaica is more accessible and affordable than ever before, due to the fact that our hotel, airline and travel partners are continuing to increase and enhance the tourism product, as well as provide incentives to encourage travelers to visit Jamaica.”
“As Jamaica’s national carrier, we are proud to be the airline that delivered the island’s first winter visitors of 2009/2010,” remarked George W. deMercado, Air Jamaica’s Senior Director, Global Sales. “Our competitively-priced fares make Jamaica an affordable destination to escape the winter weather and celebrate the season with family and friends.”
Edward Neufville and Bahia Akerele were greeted warmly upon arriving at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport by Director of Tourism John Lynch, Director General in the Ministry of Tourism Carrole Guntley, and other tourism officials.
Director of Tourism, John Lynch (left), makes a presentation to engaged couple, Bahia Akerele (2nd right) and Edward Neufville (right) at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay yesterday (Dec.15), while tourism officials share in the moment. The couple was the first to arrive in the tourist capital for the start of the Winter Tourist Season.
Air Jamaica representatives were also on hand, including Regional Airport Manager Owen Campbell. In a happy twist of fate, the couple arrived in Jamaica with plans to tie the knot island-style this Saturday at Iberostar Rose Hall Suites surrounded by family and friends, and was presented with perhaps the most unexpected wedding gift: a return trip to Jamaica, compliments of Air Jamaica and Iberostar Rose Hall Suites.
Jamaica continues to be an affordable and accessible destination for U.S. travelers this winter. Many hotels, resorts and villas are offering special deals and packages, plus Air Jamaica’s Winter-Spring Sale offers discounted fares available for purchase until January 5, 2010, valid for travel from January 11 to May 15, 2010.
