ESCAPE TO JAMAICA: Virtual Care Package Aims to Lift Spirits During Social Distancing

The Jamaica Tourist Board is using its digital platform to deliver a virtual care package to uplift and inspire followers around the world who are currently practicing responsible social distancing. Tonight, Friday, April 3 at 9:00 pm ET (8:00 pm Jamaica time), the JTB will kick off its “Escape to Jamaica” Instagram Live series featuring one of Jamaica’s leading disc jockeys, ZJ Sparks.

The popular ZIP 103 DJ will host a virtual dance party spinning the latest reggae and dancehall hits live from Jamaica, helping viewers chill and unwind after another week of social distancing.

“Escape to Jamaica” will occur weekly on the @VisitJamaica Instagram channel. In addition to sharing irie vibes, the series will also feature live cooking demos and pre-recorded wellness sessions. The first wellness session will take place on Monday, April 6 at 9:00 am ET (8:00 am Jamaica time), with Empress Thandi Wise, Certified Yoga Instructor from Rasta Wellness Centre and Jakes Hotel.

Followers can tune in on Wednesday, April 8 at 6:00 pm ET (5:00 pm Jamaica time), for a live cooking demo with Chef Andre Fowles, Food Network Chopped Champion and Culinary Ambassador for Miss Lily’s in New York, Negril and Dubai.

“We’re aware that people from all corners of the globe may be in need of an escape with what’s happening right now. With this live series, Jamaica offers a virtual getaway through our music, cuisine, culture, warm people and that unmistakable Jamaican spirit,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism.

“Since visitors are unable to come to us at the moment, we want to bring the ‘Heartbeat of the World’ to their homes. Jamaica will be here to welcome travellers when the time is right. We want our followers to know we can only get through this together.”

Following is the current schedule of the “Escape to Jamaica” series, with additional dates to be announced:

• Friday, April 3: ZJ Sparks – Zip 103

• Monday, April 6: Empress Thandi Wise – Certified Yoga Instructor, Rasta Wellness Centre and Jakes Hotel

• Wednesday, April 8: Chef Andre Fowles – Food Network Chopped Champion and Culinary Ambassador for Miss Lily’s in New York, Negril and Dubai

• Friday, April 10: DJ Delano – Renaissance Disco

• Wednesday, April 15: Rousseau Sisters – Jamaican Sisters, owners of SummerHouse in Kingston and Authors of Provisions, The Roots of Caribbean Cooking

• Friday, April 17: ZJ Chrome – Zip 103

For more information about the ‘Escape to Jamaica’ Instagram live series, visit the JTB’s Instagram account at www.instagram.com/visitjamaica and join the conversation with #EscapetoJamaica.