The Jamaica Tourist Board recently held a gala reception recognizing close to 60 partners from across the country representing the trade, media/influencers and the Jamaican diaspora. Held at the tony Hazleton hotel in Toronto, Canadian regional director for the JTB Angella Bennett said the event was meant to celebrate the success of Brand Jamaica and thank those who contributed to it.

Following a short documentary screening from Jamaican-Canadian filmmakers, and an elegant cocktail reception, dinner followed and presentations that included an update from Jamaica’s director of tourism, Donovan White.

White hailed the emergence of Jamaica as a “global tourism powerhouse” and revealed that 4.2 million visitors are expected this year, drawn by the island’s renowned beaches, culture and hospitality.

Importantly, he noted that tourism – Jamaica’s No. 1 industry – translates into jobs for citizens.

But, while Jamaica is riding high, White emphasized that Jamaica continues to invest heavily in infrastructure as well as diversify its tourism product to appeal to a visitors with a wide range interests, including wellness, ecotourism, sports, and gastronomy.

“(Globally) 1.5 billion people travel and there are 1.5 billion more to come in 10 years. As a destination, we need to be ready,” he said.

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