“Architect of dreams, therapist, curator and creator…” – all of them rolled into one: travel advisor. And 50 of Jamaica’s best global agents were honoured by the island’s tourist board for being just so over the weekend at the brand-new Princess Grand resort during the Jamaica Tourist Board’s annual One Love Affair celebration and gala.
The JTB’s 50 top travel agent performers (and their guests) from around the globe – including 15 Canadians – were invited to a weekend of celebration and fun, which included island adventures courtesy of Chukka Trails & Travel and Island Routes;, a lavish evening white party at Couples Negril; and a gala awards dinner at the Princess, where participants earlier took part in the hotel’s official opening ceremonies, attended by Jamaica’s prime minister and minister of tourism.
Awards ceremony MC Dan Hamilton of the Canadian JTB team proclaimed that agent honourees earned there placed at the podium by being top-selling Jamaica specialists globally. “It’s not a fluke that they’re here,” he said, noting that the winners were selected based on bookings recorded into the Jamaica Travel Specialist (JTS) program.
Canadian honourees included Andrea Hudson Lindsay – Your Travel Genie; Angie Waite – New Wave Travel; Chantal Sabourin – Voyage Club Avasion; Courtney Pilon – Champagne Weddings & Travel; Karen Teddy – fareconnect.com; Laura Erickson – Luxe Destination Weddings; Lois Barbour – Travel Time Agency; Micaela Bramble – Intimate Affairs & Escapes; Nicole Deforest – Tripcentral; Pauline Blacoe – Shine Travel; Radha Yipchuck – Titan Tours; Robin Arnold – SellOffVacations; Sharon Loppie – TravelBug Travel; Vanessa Martinez – Unforgettable Escapes; and Yvonne Campbell – Yvonne’s Travel & Tours.
Notably, among that distinguished group, Dawn Rzpeka, represented by Laura Erickson (photo below) and Chantal Sabourin were top 10 global honourees, at No. 3 and 7 respectively.
Canadian regional director for the JTB Angella Bennett remarked to honourees, “Your dedication and hard work have not only earned you a place here, but have also significantly contributed to the growth of Jamaica’s economy.
“Last year, we celebrated a remarkable 25.5% year-over-year increase in total arrivals, welcoming 4.1 million visitors to our beautiful island. This year, we are excited to report that we have already welcomed over three million visitors, generating an impressive US$4.38 billion, an increase of nearly 10% compared to the previous fiscal year.”
She added, “To our incredible travel advisors, we offer our sincerest appreciation. Your unwavering support in promoting Jamaica to your clients and your dedication to our shared vision has been invaluable. Your passion and enthusiasm inspire us every day.”
Indeed, Jamaica’s deputy director tourism Philip Rose said travel advisors are not merely selling a destination but are “sharing a piece of our soul.”
“Each ticket booked, each vacation planned, is a testament to the trust that you place in us, and for that we are immensely grateful,” he said. “None of this would be possible without your unwavering support. You are the storytellers who inspire dreams of our paradise; you are the navigators who help travellers find their way to our shores…
“So, today we say thank you, not just as business partners, but as family. And when I say thank you, it goes beyond these four walls. I stand here representing the corn soup seller, and the craft vendor who made the bags (you received). And I stand with them and say thank you, thank you.
With a laugh, she continued, “I know unequivocally that I could never be a travel agent or take direct bookings from your clients. I have met some of them and they are a pain in the ass! It’s often said that for clients to book direct, they have to know what they want, and I’ve spoken to them, and they have no idea what they want. So, we have an unwavering love and respect for you of biblical proportions – and you can take that to the bank!
“Media, I hope you’re getting this down (yes!) because if nothing else, I want that to be the take-away!”
One Love Rewards
The JTS One Love Rewards Program is a dedicated training platform for travel agents to become certified experts on the destination. The educational program features a series of online courses that provide agents with practical knowledge on the island while showcasing Jamaica’s rich culture and vibrant tourism offerings. In addition to learning about the island, JTS-certified agents earn valuable rewards points and gain access to exclusive perks when they record their bookings throughout the year.
For more information about the program go to www.oneloverewards.com.
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