KINGSTON, Jamaica – (CaribPRNewswire) – Summer Isle Tours, a pioneer of Jamaican theme tourism, offers the unique opportunity to discover Jamaica through its International Youth Volunteerism program and Jamaica Nice Time Packages.
Since its inception in 1987, this tour company with a difference has successfully marketed and delivered sports camps and adventure tours to the land that gave the world the legendary reggae superstar Bob Marley. But now the company is offering a new blend of tourism packages that serve up a sliver of local culture with your cup of Blue Mountain java.
“We’re not just trying to sell sand and sea,” says Summer Isle founder, and managing director, Maureen Wright-Evans, “Many people are not looking for sand and beach alone anymore. They long for a first-hand cultural experience and want to immerse themselves in the local life. They’re looking to experience life in the community- so we are selling the community.”
This passion of creating experiences for the person with an adventurous spirit who want to experience the thrill of knowing Jamaica and its history led to launch of the International Youth Volunteerism & Cultural Fest program. It aims to connect second and third –generation Jamaican-Americans with their peers in Jamaica. This is an effort to inspire a spirit of unity, have Jamaican-Americans connect with their roots, and establish a channel for what Maureen Wright-Evans sees as a much needed cultural exchange between the two countries.
“One of the most pressing needs for Jamaicans, and for Caribbean-Americans in general, is to send their children back to their homeland so they can connect with their roots,” says Maureen Wright- Evans. “However, it is important they come not just as tourists, but as travelers willing to work and mix with young people back home, willing to get a taste of the reality together with the fantasy.”
Combing this unique experience with the opportunity to tour and explore Jamaica create memories that will last a lifetime.
Most of those who sign up for the volunteer tours are in the 13-24-age range with an average group size of 15. The program operates three times yearly – Dec-Jan, March-April, and June-August and offers packages ranging from $776- $1,173, dependent on length of stay, preferred accommodation arrangements, and the departure city from which the group originates. Projects are designed around a 5- 8 day schedule and are intended to engage the youngsters with local schools, churches, charities and voluntary organizations.
Highlighting Summer Isle’s dedication to guided tours as a way to immerse travelers in Jamaica’s society and hinterlands, Maureen Wright- Evans notes the company provides around-the-clock support, should they need it.
This holds true for the company’s other featured attraction, Unforgettable Tours. Marketed toward a more mature demographic of Caribbean-Americans, the initiative targets nature lovers and older Jamaican-Americans longing to relive “the good old days” of their native country.
Unforgettable Tours treats visitors to singular escapes such as the famous 600ft.-high Dunn’s River Falls on the island’s scenic north coast, the Bob Marley Museum, and historic Port Royal, a site dubbed “the wickedest city on earth” that once served as a pirate hideout. Those fancying a daintier side of Jamaica are also in for a brunch of culinary delights at Strawberry Hills, a mountain resort perched high above the capital city, a bath in the alluring waters of the St. Thomas mineral spa, a quiet retreat at Sonrise Beach and a romantic trip to Lovers Leap, located on the island’s pristine south coast.
Jamaica Nice Time is yet another option that combines the sightseeing of Unforgettable Tours, a culinary experience you never forget, and an opportunity to include a community project as part of the vacation experience if so desired. This package is ideal for the Jamaica-American or mature visitor. Summer Isle aim to exceed your expectation and give you memorable experiences.
Summer Isle founder and managing director Maureen Wright-Evans, (l.), with her son Kimani FFriend and NBA Basketball Superstar, Patrick Ewing, at one of the basketball camps she organizes through the summer at Knox college In Spalding, Jamaica.
For more information on pricing and details, visit: http://www.summerisle.com.jm/ or call toll free: (USA): 1-866-978-4586, New York: 718-878-5588, Canada & Worldwide: 905-481-2670 or Jamaica: 876- 969-4158.
