Bartlett Touts Value of Multi-Destination Marketing

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the multi-destination marketing of countries within the Caribbean will serve to boost visitor arrivals and add value to the tourism product in the region.

“It provides for partnership (among) countries…that will allow for cost effectiveness, and so, when we bring partners together, we share in the cost and we benefit together,” he said.

The Minister was speaking at the British Airways 70^th anniversary reception and awards presentation at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on June 10.

Jamaica is looking to formalise a multi-destination arrangement with Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

The move will see the introduction of a tripartite marketing agreement that will create new experiences for visitors.

“So the experience of Jamaica, for example, can be had by those who buy Cuba and the experiences of the Dominica Republic can be had by those who buy Jamaica. It also allows airlines to make mutli-drops to fill their planes and so cost effectiveness ensues all around and connectivity is enhanced,” the Minister pointed out.

Mr. Bartlett, in the meantime, commended British Airways on 70 years of connecting people through air travel.

Sixteen Per Cent Traffic

He noted that the airline has provided 16 per cent of all the traffic out of Europe to Jamaica over the last two years.

“Government is open to discussion regarding more connectivity and flights to the island,” Minister Bartlett said.

British Airways Commercial Manager for the Caribbean,  Diane Corrie, thanked the partners and customers, who have assisted in making the Jamaican route a success over the years.

For his part, Senior Vice President of Sales, Simon Brooks, said partnerships have allowed the route to blossom since 1946.

During the ceremony five travel agencies were recognised for their support to the industry and the route over the years.

They are Trafalgar Travel and Total Travel from Jamaica; and Sackville Travel, Newman Travel, and Flight Connection, which are based in the United Kingdom (UK).