VISITOR NUMBERS CLIMB

The latest visitor figures to Jamaica show that the destination is as popular as ever, despite the current economic climate. Visitor figures rose by 3% for the first 6 months of 2008, bringing the total number of stopover visitors from the UK to 91, 253. These figures are a further boost to the island, which has enjoyed a remarkable level of interest over the past year spurred on by the opening of several new attractions and hotels including Island Outpost�s GeeJam in Port Antonio and Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios. The Jamaica Tourist Board has also rolled out a host of new exciting initiatives, including their sports tourism strategy designed to build on the success of the Beijing Olympics.

The UK is Jamaica�s second most important market after North America and represents 10 per cent of market share. The tourist board is anticipating another strong year for UK visits to the destination in 2009.

JTB UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has unveiled its new look website which aims accommodate the modern and technically savvy global traveller.

VisitJamaica.com offers a fresh look and feel focusing on the country�s diverse attractions and accommodations ranging from �Ritzy� to �Roadside.� Key website features include video content, a trip planning tool, email options, Google maps and GPS tracking. The website also boasts improved functionality, updated content and quicker response time.

Designed by Draftfcb New York, visitors are invited to explore Jamaica�s highlights, including the country�s people, culture, art, music, cuisine, history, attractions and diverse range of accommodations.

In another new development, the JTB have signed a new partnership with Travelocity to enable users to book package deals online.

SPORTS FOCUS

Jamaica has unveiled its sports tourism strategy in a bid to position itself as a destination of sporting excellence.

Building on the success enjoyed by Jamaica�s athletes at the Beijing Olympics, the strategy will encompass a wide range of sports and activities and at its core will be the support deployed by sporting ambassadors including 100m men�s world record holder Usain Bolt and cricketer Courtney Walsh.

Courtney Walsh will be visiting WTM this year as part of a wider programme of activity with the JTB and tour operator Edwin Doran to promote cricket-based group travel from the UK & Ireland. Cricket has special relevance in 2009 with both Ireland and England cricket teams touring Jamaica.

Next year Jamaica aims to host a high-profile golfing event as well as The 2009 World Beach Sprint to coincide with the third World Athletics Awards. Visitors to the destination can also participate in many sporting events such as the Reggae Marathon and the Rose Hall Triathlon.

MEET THE PEOPLE IN DEMAND

The JTB has revealed the Meet the People Programme is increasing in popularity with up to forty requests registered a month from travellers wanting to be teamed up with a Jamaican volunteer.

Guests on the programme are matched with one of over 700 Jamaican volunteers who share similar religious, occupational or leisure interests. In true Jamaican spirit, these volunteers offer a hand of friendship and hospitality to visitors who want to veer off the beaten track and are genuinely interested in the Jamaican way of life. The host may take visitors on a personalised tour of their hometown or invite them to a family dinner, local sporting event, reggae concert, or church service.

Visitors can sign up to the programme online or by contacting the Jamaica Tourist Board or enquiring at their hotel reception. Children can also participate.

NEW ATTRACTIONS

Thrill seekers and nature lovers now have even more reason to visit Jamaica with four brand new attractions open for business. From zip-line canopy tours to performance driving, this Caribbean destination has something for everyone.

Chukka Caribbean�s has opened its latest venture, Misty Morning at Montpelier Estate, offering environmentally friendly tours from 5am. Meanwhile travellers looking for a little more excitement should check out Mystic Mountain. Located 700 feet above sea level, this eco-friendly adventure park in Ocho Rios offers a range of exhilarating soft adventure rides that sweep visitors through Jamaica�s lush mountains. Must-do activities include the Rainforest Sky Explorer � a 30-minute excursion on an open chairlift over treetops and the Zip-line Canopy Tour, which flies over the rainforest canopy and limestone cliffs.

For history lovers, The Outameni Experience is a unique blend of music, art, dance, film, drama and authentic Jamaican cuisine. This virtual journey through 500 years of Jamaican history is brought to life by lively song and dance performances. Meanwhile car lovers can experience the Jamspeed Rally Experience in Rose Hall; the first authentic performance driving school in the Caribbean offering a thrilling circuit-drive in a range of top cars.

ACCOMMODATION UPDATES

GoldenEye is adding a multi-million dollar high-end resort village to its exclusive resort in Oracabessa, St Mary. Completion is set for December 2010 and will feature approximately 200 guest rooms spread over sixty acres of coastal land. The property will boast its own spa, swimming pools and a lagoon.

Couples Ocho Rios is expected to reopen by the end of 2008 as Couples Tower Isle. The 206-room resort is undergoing a US$15 million upgrade which will see the construction of an additional three floor complex of 20 rooms, refurbishing of the existing bars and main lobby and the creation of a new swim-up pool bar and state of the art spa.

Sol�s The Palmyra Resort & Spa is set to open in March 2009 and will offer 299 guestrooms plus suites, penthouses and private villas with large private terraces. This luxury beachfront residential community will boast a 30,000 square foot ESPA, an ocean-view fitness centre and nearby championship golf at three prestigious courses. Guests will have a wide array of dining options with a wine cellar. The property, which features state of the art meeting facilities, is less than 15 minutes from the Sangster International Airport.

Iberostar Rose Hall Suites, the new addition to the Spanish chain Iberostar Rose Hall Beach & Spa Resort has now opened, while Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall will open on November 15 in time for the official start of the winter tourist season. The first phase of the development was completed in May 2007 with 366 rooms. On completion, the US$850-million development will comprise a total of 978 rooms.

RIU Montego Bay located in Ironshore, officially opened on August 29. The resort, which boasts 681 rooms, is the first RIU property in Montego Bay and the fourth in Jamaica. The 527-room Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort was recently acquired by Kevin Hendrickson, and has recently re-opened under a Holiday Inn Resort franchise agreement.

This summer, the Spanish company Fiesta Hotel Group opened two luxury 5 star resorts on Jamaica�s north coast: the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa and the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa. Situated near the town of Lucea in Hanover, the hotels, which feature 1.056 rooms, are halfway between Montego Bay and Negri.

Major work is now underway to convert Spanish Court from a well-known themed shopping complex into a business hotel. This property, located in the heart of the New Kingston business district is expected to open by the end of 2008. On completion the property will comprise a pool bar, a restaurant and a business centre with dedicated concierge.

The Redevelopment of the Titchfield Peninsula is now underway. The joint project involving several private and public sector stakeholders is expected to see improvements in sidewalks, addition of caf�s and nightlife facilities.

The upscale Trident Hotel is currently undergoing major renovations. Expected changes include upgraded rooms and villas, food-and-beverage and other facilities. The Port Antonio landmark is set to reopen by year end.

To find out more about the Jamaica Tourist Board go to visitjamaica.com

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For further information and images, or to discuss possible press trips, please contact: Sarah Long / Anna Gouldman / Debi Cale McCluskey International: 020 8237 7979 jamaica@mccluskey.co.uk