The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has announced the appointment of Canadian travel industry veteran Sonia Machado to the role of Business Development Manager for Western Canada. Based in Calgary, she’ll be responsible for overseeing sales initiatives and industry engagement activities across British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Machado comes to the JTB with more than 25 years of experience working in the travel industry and has an extensive background driving sales for the destination, having previously worked with Sunset Resorts in Jamaica.

“Our highly engaged business development team in Canada plays a key role in Jamaica’s ongoing success within North America,” notes Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “Western Canada represents an important market for the destination, and we look forward to working alongside Sonia to enhance Jamaica’s brand awareness and drive growth in the region.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Sonia to the Jamaica Tourist Board; she brings a wealth of knowledge to the role,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Jamaica Tourist Board Canada. “I’m certain our industry partners and travel advisors in Western Canada will value her industry expertise and passion for Destination Jamaica,”

Machado began her career in the industry working as an advisor with Stadium Travel in Calgary and then relocated to Vancouver to work in the sales departments with some of the country’s major tour operators, including Transat Holidays and Canada 3000 Holidays. She later returned to Calgary to represent Transat Holidays as a BDM for Southern Alberta. Machado most recently represented Krystal Resorts in Mexico with Dave Emery Travel Marketing.

Sonia Machado can be reached at (403) 404-8701 or smachado@visitjamaica.com.