Wasn’t that a party! On 17OCT, the Jamaica Tourist Board convened some 50 members of the travel trade media, tour operators, influencers and diaspora of distinction at an elegant dinner party. The event, held at the swanky Hazleton Hotel in Toronto’s tony Yorkville, shimmered with an atmosphere of familiarity and affection between these friends and colleagues (aka frolleagues).
Angela Bennett, the Regional Director of the JTB for Canada, told the group, “My heart is at its fullest because in this room are my favourite people in Canada. We are here to celebrate the success of Brand Jamaica and express gratitude to our people – the heart and soul of Jamaica.”
Donovan White, the Kingston, Jamaica-based Director of Tourism for the island, added, “Our business has been extremely well developed in Canada. It’s a tale of growth, resilience and opportunity. And in recent years we’ve enjoyed a true renaissance and are now a powerhouse.”
Last year, the island hosted 4.1 million visitors and is tracking 4.2 million for this year.
As Bennett told Open Jaw, in 2023 Canadians numbered 385,000 and this year there will be an estimated 15% increase, helped by flights from Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. “It’s all about the lift.”
Meanwhile, guests enjoyed an elegant meal including black cod, filet mignon or eggplant schnitzel and capped off by dessert options such as a chocolate caviar tart.
Diaspora of Distinction guests included Jamaican-born CBC TV news host Dwight Drummond and Kardinal Offishal, who – among other roles – is a judge on Canada’s Got Talent.
As Fiona Fennell, the charming and fun PR and Communications Manager for the tourist board told the appreciative group, “As a tiny island, every day we punch above our weight.” Find out more about the JTB and the island’s many offerings here.
