A number of new hotels, inns and villas have joined the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Insider’s Jamaica programme since it was launched at World Travel Market last year.
The programme now boasts 58 privately owned hotels, up from 50 at its launch, as well as 46 restaurants, 20 attractions and 22 car rental companies.
New to the programme are seven properties in Negril, including Negril Cabins and the Beachcomber, and three hotels in Port Antonio, the Dragon Bay Beach Hotel, Goblin Hill and Hotel Mockingbird Hill.
The innovative programme is aimed at visitors to Jamaica who want to experience the local way of life outside the growing band of all-inclusive resorts and features five-night stays or longer at an inn, villa or hotel.
Round-trip air fares are included in the overall package price as well as 25% off admission to participating attractions, 15% off participating restaurants and a one-class upgrade at selected car rental companies.
Agents wanting to book the properties can contact the JTBfor a brochure.
In September, the JTB plans to launch a self-catering version of the Insider’s programme, featuring a wide range of villas and apartments on the island.
Jamaica Tourist Board deputy director David Barber said: “Insider’s has attracted a crowd of people who used to travel to Jamaica but thought it had become nothing but all-inclusives.”
He added: “Many have shown an interest in being even more independent and are looking for villas or apartments where they can do their own thing. This is the thinking behind the enlarged, self-catering edition we are putting together at present,” he added.