Jamaica Launches Jamboree For Agents

with Martha Chapman

A suggestion to the people of Jamaica: Start mixing the rum punch now. Get out those sunshades and mix up a big, big batch of jerk sauce. Because the Canadians are coming.

And likely even more this winter, thanks to the innovative Jamaica Travel Jamboree announced this week. It’s such a big deal that the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, the island’s Minister of Tourism, came to Canada to be part of the launch.

If “jamboree” has you thinking Boy Scouts, toasted marshmallows and knot-tying contests, you might have to think again. This Jamboree is designed to reward the top 100 Canadian travel agents selling Jamaica this winter with an unforgettable trip to the island.

Best of all, Jamaica has entered a partnership with the big ITC companies (ACV, Sunquest, Sunwing, Transat and WestJet Vacations). So every booking with them automatically counts – agents needn’t do any tracking or reporting.

Sales made between December 15 and April 15 count, and the top 25 agents from each of four regions in Canada (Western, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic) will be hosted on the air-inclusive trip from June 9 to 14 next year.

As the popular Dan Hamilton of the Ontario Sales Team put it, “This is the easiest program to be a part of, and we will be recognizing those at the top of the pyramid.”

And what a trip that Jamboree sounds like! Welcome party, treasure hunts, optional spa visits and golf, meeting Jamaican celebs, dine-arounds, cooking classes and cocktail competitions (mixing, not drinking). And not a hotel inspection in sight.

Clearly the concept is a winner with the 200 Toronto agents in the room…with many whoops and much applause they showed their enthusiasm. And one lady next to me promptly started tweeting her clients. In 140 characters or less…Pack your bags - Jamaica is waiting for you!