Jamaica hails success of ongoing ‘70 for 70’ fam trip programme

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has thanked UK and Ireland travel agents for their engagement during its 70th year as it continues its ‘70 for 70’ fam trip programme.

 

As part of its anniversary celebrations, the tourist board is set to host 70 agents on fam trips by the end of the year.

 

JTB district sales manager Torrance Lewis said: “Usually we host between 40 - 50 agents in a year, but we thought we would push a little harder and get the number up to 70. By the end of the year we will actually have hosted more than 70.”

 

Three trips have taken place so far and the final two are scheduled for September and October.

 

They have been organised around different themes, with a mix of agents invited including first-time visitors and those who have not seen the destination for many years.

 

“Hybrid” trips have been designed exclusively for homeworkers, enabling them to carry out their usual work before exploring the destination.

 

Two such trips will take place this year, up from one each in 2023 and 2024, with the first having taken place in May and the second departing in September.

 

“Next year we’ll possibly do even more because the demand was incredible. Both were oversubscribed,” said Lewis.

 

“70 for 70 has shown that travel agents are still looking to engage with tourist boards,” he added.

 

Other initiatives in the 70th year have included a series of destination-themed “sensory evenings” showcasing chocolate and rum and offering a buffet.

 

The events were hosted in 13 venues across the UK, with the final date last month.

 

“They all went down an absolute storm,” said Lewis. “We really pushed the boat out.”

 

A further element of the anniversary celebrations is a trade incentive offering agents the chance to win £70 when they log their bookings rather than the usual £5. 

 

Jamaica received more UK visitors last year than ever before, Lewis said, with this year’s figures also looking strong albeit down year on year so far.

 

“Last year was an incredible year and we expect we’re going to have a good year this year,” he added.

 

He welcomed an expansion of flight options for 2026 as well as an increase in hotel rooms available.

 

The JTB was founded on April 1, 1955.