Jamaicans Encouraged to Take Advantage of Discount Packages

Jamaicans are being invited to take advantage of special discount packages being offered by some of the island’s hotels, attractions and other tourism stakeholders, as part of Experience Jamaica 2014.

The programme is a marketing thrust which was introduced in 2009 by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) to inspire Jamaicans to vacation at home. The offerings also extend to Jamaicans living in the diaspora, the diplomatic community and other international residents.

Experience Jamaica Consultant at the JTB, Horace Phillips, told JIS News that the initiative, which will last from April 1 to December 15, 2014, will feature sector partners offering up to 50 per cent discounts on accommodation, attractions, shopping and ground transportation, as part of the ‘Experience Jamaica’ campaign.

“This year, we have over 120 tourism entities participating, from hotels in Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, South Coast, Negril and Port Antonio as well as attraction companies and a host of other entities, where persons can get that Jamaican experience,” Mr. Phillips explained.

He noted that this year’s staging is already looking fruitful, based on the overwhelming reception from participants at the campaign launch, which took place last weekend as part of activities for Expo Jamaica 2014.

“The 2014 launch is the biggest to date…the synergy and partnership with Expo Jamaica was a great success with over 15,000 people visiting the 40 Experience Jamaica tents that were mounted at the National Arena, and some got their savings and special rates of 10 to 50 per cent,” he highlighted.

Mr. Phillips pointed out that the programme uses customer education and value-added discount offerings to generate interest in, and use of the tourism facilities available on the island.

The Experience Jamaica campaign will include road shows in Kingston, Montego Bay, Mandeville and Portmore, to heighten awareness about brand Jamaica and the sector’s product offering.

The names of the participating entities are listed on the JTB’s website at: www.visitjamaica.com/experiencejamaica.