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Jamaica ‘Next Big Thing’ for Nigerian tourists

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Jamaica is being hailed as “the next big thing” for Nigerian tourists by that country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Geoffrey Onyeama, following the arrival of the first non-stop flight from Nigeria to Jamaica, which touched down at the Sangster International Airport last night (December 21).

“We really expect to see it (tourism) take off in a big way,” said Minister Onyeama, who was among some 140 passengers on the inaugural flight, which landed just after 10:00 p.m. and was welcomed with two jet streams creating a water arc, as the vessel cruised towards the terminal building.

The Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister said in that region of the world there was familiarity with Brazil, which has a large Nigerian population, but “we believe that Jamaica is the next big thing for us as far as tourism is concerned.”

Noting that “Nigerians are big travellers,” he said “we’re huge in tourism and travel.” Minister Onyeama said: “We just feel this is a gold mine, a gem waiting to be discovered by the majority of Nigerians and I think once Nigerians discover this you will see us in droves.” Among the passengers were travellers from Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. Another direct flight is expected in two months.

While unavoidably absent, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett lauded the historic arrival of the flight. In stressing the flight’s significance, he said: “Historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Jamaica date back to the days of slavery and many Jamaicans today have their ancestral roots in that African country.” He added that “we have been working together to bring this to fruition for some time and I am pleased that we have opened yet another gateway, which provides scope for the added growth of our tourism sector and the forging of greater bonds between both countries.”

There was a strong representation of Jamaican government officials on hand to welcome Minister Onyeama and the other Nigerian visitors. Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Robert Montague also saw it as an historic occasion. “For Jamaica to welcome Air Piece charter with a Minister and over 130 Nigerians is historic in so many ways.” He opined that “every single Jamaican is feeling good tonight that we have welcomed our first direct flight from Nigeria. It is going to be the start of many good things.”

Minister Montaque noted the collaboration of his ministry with the ministries of Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Airports Authority and Jamaica’s High Commissioner in Lagos, His Excellency Esmond Reid, in making it happen.

The welcome party also included Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith; Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations, Mrs. Joy Roberts; Regional Director of Tourism, Mrs. Odette Dyer and Chief Executive Officer of MBJ Airports Ltd., Mr. Shane Munroe.

More news about Jamaica

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Bartlett welcomes new Chukka $2M nature adventure park

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Jamaica’s attractions sub-sector has received a major boost with the addition of a new nature adventure park in Sandy Bay, Lucea, at a cost of over US$2 million by Chukka Caribbean Adventures.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett declared the attraction officially opened yesterday (December 17), during a ribbon cutting ceremony, supported by Chukka’s Executive Director, John Byles and Chief Executive Officer, Marc Melville, after which he toured the seaside facility, which sits on 26 acres.

Chukka Ocean Outpost Sandy Bay, joins the list of attractions operated by the company in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, Belize and more recently, Barbados.

Mr. Bartlett said “the money spent on remodeling and reinventing this experience, to make it COVID-19 compliant and to put it in a positon where it could stand with other attractions of the world and where the new visitors would want to go, was well spent.”

Mr. Bartlett was particularly happy for the investment which, he said, came at a very difficult time but stated that: “As a destination, giving confidence to investors is what Jamaica is all about.”

Mr. Melville posited that: “In the middle of this, many people would have stopped investing,” adding that “investment comes out of hope and confidence and it is the hope and confidence that we received from the leadership at the time, thriving and knowing that we were going in the right direction, that allowed us to go against the tide, put our money where our mouth is and built out the investment that we have here today.”

Also of special interest to Minister Bartlett was that the park was enabling more of the island’s tourism workers laid off by the shutting down of the tourism industry some nine months ago, due to COVID-19, to return to work. He projects that the current winter tourist season will peak at about 40 percent of what it was last year and provide more jobs.

Following a tour of the property, Minister Bartlett commended the innovation that had gone into creating “a facility that will enable the very health conscious, social distance conscious visitor to be happy to enjoy the experiences that are being offered here.”

He observed that the architectural arrangement of the attraction provided for groups in the type of numbers that make it safe for visitors “to find their own bubble and to experience the beauty, the joy and the adrenalin rush that is required, as they seek to satisfy their own passions.”

Mr. Melville said the Ocean Outpost offered: the added attraction of a unique leisure infrastructure with catamarans sailing the Hanover seacoast; diving; snorkeling and riding in the ocean on horseback. There are also two rivers and springs on the property.

The project was undertaken by Chukka working in collaboration with the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Hanover Municipal Corporation and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), who provided guidance in ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly facility.

– eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications Division, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4924, Fax: 906-1729

Minister Bartlett remembers Canadian Tourism icon Edith Baxter

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Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed deep regret at the passing of long-time friend and industry colleague Edith Baxter, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Canadian publishing group Baxter Media.

“I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Baxter’s daughter Wendy McClung, along with her extended family and the entire Baxter Media management and staff during this difficult time. Ms. Baxter was a powerful voice within the Canadian travel industry for more than five decades and her legacy will be remembered for years to come,” said Minister Bartlett.

Edith, or Mrs. B as she was fondly known among friends, was an unparalleled leader in Canada’s travel industry. For more than 50 years, she served at the helm of Canadian Travel Press and Travel Courier – two of the country’s most respected and widely read weekly travel trade publications.

She founded the prominent media group in 1968 alongside her late husband and business partner William (Bill) Henry Baxter, who passed away in 2004.

Reflecting on Baxter’s passing, Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) John Lynch said, “She will be remembered fondly as a brilliant journalist, a savvy businesswoman and a true friend of Jamaica. She made dozens of trips to the island – particularly enjoying her time at Half Moon Resort – and she developed strong friendships with former JTB Regional Directors Pat Samuels and Sandra Scott.”

Under the leadership of Edith Baxter, Baxter Media has played an integral role in spotlighting Destination Jamaica in the Canadian market over the last five decades.

In 2018, Baxter was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in recognition of her contributions to the tourism industry and the important work she had done behalf of Jamaica.

For the last 25 years, Baxter Media has organized the popular Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament, hosted on island in partnership with Sandals Resorts. The annual industry event brings dozens of travel agents, tour operators, airline representatives and tourism partners together in Jamaica for a week of networking events, friendly competition on the links and vibrant island hospitality.

Jamaica has also been featured prominently as an award-winning destination and tourism board at Baxter Media’s annual Agents’ Choice Awards, the largest and most comprehensive survey of travel agents in Canada. For 15 consecutive years, Jamaica has been named ‘Favourite Tourist Board – Caribbean’ at the annual readers’ choice awards.

“Edith Baxter was a true trailblazer who made an enormous impact on the travel community here in Canada and beyond,” recalls Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, JTB.

“Whenever I had the pleasure of meeting with her, I always found myself in awe as she spoke about her career and shared stories of her travels to Jamaica. She had a true love affair with the island and will be dearly missed.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

The Islands Of The Bahamas announces updated travel and entry protocols

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The Islands of The Bahamas today announced streamlined entry protocols that will enable visitors to better and more seamlessly enjoy The Bahamas vacation experience.

Effective 1 November 2020, The Bahamas will require all travelers to:

1.     Obtain a COVID-19 RT PCR test five (5) days prior to arrival.

2.     Apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at travel.gov.bs

3.     For the duration of the visit, complete a daily online health questionnaire for symptom tracking purposes.

4.     Take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on Day 5 of the visit (unless departing on day 5).

5.     Always wear a mask and always social distance in public places.

In addition, beginning 14 November 2020, all visitors will be required to opt-in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Travel Visa. The insurance will cover travellers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.

Specifics of the new protocols are as follows:

Prior to Travel:

1.     COVID-19 RT-PCR Test

  • All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival. 
    • The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result.
  • Exemptions:
    • Children age ten (10) and under.
    • Pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas.

2.     Bahamas Health Travel Visa

  • Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at TRAVEL.GOV.BS
  • Click on the International Tab and upload test results and other required documents.
  • Fees for the Bahamas Health Travel Visa, inclusive of Day 5 Rapid Antigen Test and mandatory health insurance, are as follows:
    • $40 – Visitors staying up to four nights and five days.
    • $40 – Citizens and returning residents.
    • $60 – Visitors staying more than four nights.
    • Free – Children 10 years and under

Upon Arrival

1.     Comply with Monitoring Protocols:

  • Any visitor who exhibits COVID symptoms at any time during their stay will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation.
  • If a person tests positive they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR swab test.

2.     Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Testing (if applicable):

  • All persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four nights/five days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.
  • All visitors departing on or before five days will not be required to obtain this test.
  • The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically via SMS text message and email.
  • Hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.
  • All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
  • All other visitors, returning residents and citizens will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.

Notwithstanding any health restrictions that may be implemented from time to time, all travelers abiding by these new protocols will be permitted to move about and explore the beauty and vibrant culture of The Bahamas beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations.

The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles, which means conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors. Travelers should check the status of their island destination before travelling by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates, where they can also review entry requirements applicable to each member of their party before booking a trip.

The Bahamas has remained diligent in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout the islands, and these measures are imperative to ensure that remains the case. The health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remain the number one priority of public health officials.  It is important to note, however, that due to fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

[email protected]

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

[email protected]

Jamaica pursues wellness-focused tourism initiative

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Jamaica pursues wellness-focused tourism initiative

As the sun rises on the morning of October 2, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White and members of the Jamaica Cycling Association will crank up the RPMs as they partake in the first leg of Discover Jamaica by Bike. A local event, this will serve as a pilot for a consumer cycling experience that will debut in spring 2021. The ride, which begins in Port Antonio and concludes in Kingston on October 5, will lay the groundwork for a new tourism initiative rooted in active travel and the development of outdoor programs that will allow visitors to embrace the island’s natural beauty while enabling physical distancing.

“Jamaica has always prided herself on delivering a tourism product that is ideally suited to deliver what visitors desire,” said Director White. “Discover Jamaica By Bike continues that legacy as it taps into our collective renewed focus on health and wellness coupled with safe, physically-distanced activities. We know that cycling has become a fitness activity of choice for many through this pandemic, and we are confident that development of a bookable experience around this itinerary will drive continued interest in the destination through a new lens.”

Discover Jamaica by Bike will kick-off with a press conference at Goblin Hill on Thursday, October 1. Officials from the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the Ministry of Tourism will be on hand to share details about the event as well as possible marketing efforts to promote it to international attendees. From October 2 – 5, participants will trek along the Resilient Corridors through Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril, South Coast to Kingston, with the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel being the final stop.

Key elements from the October itinerary will be the basis for a consumer-facing itinerary that will showcase different components of the destination with a number of partners along the route. Biking enthusiasts will experience firsthand the rolling hills, beaches and many towns along the way that make Jamaica such a unique destination.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944