While the economic downturn has seen many destinations shy away from expansion, Jamaica is bucking the trend with new attractions, increased airlift and more room capacity for 2010.
Combined with aggressive discounting by hoteliers and the pound’s strength against the Caribbean dollar, it all makes the island perfect for those seeking affordable winter sun.
Cosmos long-haul product manager Alison Pritchard says: “Sales are benefiting from the wide range of value-added deals offered by hoteliers as well as by airlines. These range from complimentary excursions right up to free room upgrades.”
On October 29 British Airways (BA) reinstated its Montego Bay route after a seven-year absence, indicating its confidence in Jamaica as a growth market. BA now offers twice-weekly flights from Gatwick, departing Thursday and Saturday.
According to Caribtours product manager Katherine Hobbs, BA’s return will give a boost to the luxury market. “Access to all of our hotels is easier from Montego Bay, so it’s going to make transfer times a lot shorter,” she says.
“For the upscale properties such as Round Hill and Jamaica Inn, the extra capacity in premium cabins is a real benefit because a lot of our clients wouldn’t travel any other way.”
- Read more news and features on our Jamaica page, sponsored by Sandals
Attractions
Jamaica’s beaches may be the big draw, but beyond the sunloungers a diverse and ever-increasing array of attractions await your clients.
The ever-popular Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios is opening a sister marine park in Lucea, Hanover, in May. This will cut down the journey time for guests staying near Negril and Montego Bay who want to swim with dolphins, sharks or stingrays. Dolphin Cove, Hanover will have a lazy river ride, ecological mangrove tour, crocodiles and camel rides for this year.
In November, Mystic Mountain became one of the first Caribbean attractions to open at night.
A cable-car takes clients to the mountain top, where they can then glide back down by zip wire. On Friday and Saturday evenings the tropical foliage is illuminated.
On a more cultural note, visitors to Negril can take the newly opened Raiders of Negril Cave Tour or head to the new Rastafari Indigenous Village attraction located near Montego Bay to learn first hand about the Rastafarian way of life.
Elsewhere, the Sandals group has teamed up with Unique Vacations to create a comprehensive programme of tours that are also open to non-guests.
Its Island Routes Luxury Adventure Tours offer a selection of 80 hand-picked excursions, from river tubing to a tour of the Appleton Rum Factory.
Accommodation
In October, a $2 million refurbishment of guest rooms was completed at the Breezes Rio Bueno Resort and Spa.
The exclusive Goldeneye Resort near Ocho Rios, created on the grounds of Bond author Ian Fleming’s former home, is adding 11 new Beach Cottages in 2010.
Kingston recently saw the opening of its first boutique hotel. The Spanish Court Hotel offers clients style, comfort and excellent service in the heart of Jamaica’s capital.
And after the completion of its $25 million renovation at the end of last year, Couples Tower Isle and its spa in Ocho Rios are now fully open. The sumptuous, art-deco-style guest rooms are perfect for clients who value style and exclusivity.
A good responsible tourism option that encourages guests to give something back to the community is Jake’s. This chic, beach-front property in the low-key resort of Treasure Beach is featured by Virgin Holidays.
What’s on when
Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival (January 24 -30)
Acts announced so far include Roy Ayers, Billy Ocean, Maxi Priest and Hall and Oates.
Calabash International Literary Festival (May)
Poets and writers from around the world gather in the resort of Treasure Beach to host workshops, readings, storytelling and music events.
Reggae Sumfest (July)
Jamaica’s ultimate music event is held in Montego Bay.
Spring Break (mid-March until mid-April)
If your clients are looking for a relaxing holiday, Spring Break, when American college students descend on usually laid-back Negril to party long and hard, should be avoided.
Sample product
Caribtours is offering seven nights’ all-inclusive at the luxury Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, from £2,095 per person, a saving of £605 per person. The price includes return flights with British Airways to Montego Bay and private transfers and is based on travel from January 4-April 7. caribtours.co.uk, 020 7751 0660
Cosmos Distant Dreams is offering a discount of at least £100 per person for seven-night, all-inclusive stays at the five-diamond Couples resorts of Couples Tower Isle, Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away until April 16. Couples Swept Away, for example, was £2,379, but is now £2,279 per person. The price includes flights with Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick and transfers. cosmos-holidays.co.uk, 0871 423 8518
