Nineteen Canadian travel agents and Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) representatives came together for a week of island-inspired activities during an ‘Irie Hour’ FAM trip from Oct. 23 to Oct. 28.

Over the course of the invite-only trip, agents had the chance to reconnect with the JTB Canada team and immerse themselves in Destination Jamaica while visiting multiple hotel properties and attractions in the area.

The exclusive FAM opportunity was offered to a select group of 19 travel advisors who have been loyal attendees of the JTB’s virtual Irie Hour sessions. The weekly chill-and-chat show was launched in May 2020 as a way for Canadian agents to stay informed on the destination and remain connected with JTB staff during the pandemic.

Throughout the immersion trip, participants were treated to a plethora of authentic Jamaican experiences, including a coffee and rum tasting at Chukka’s Island Village Outpost, river tubing and ziplining at Chukka’s Adrenaline Outpost at White River Valley, and a special gala evening at Moon Palace Jamaica. The group also had the opportunity to conduct site inspections at some of the country’s leading hotels and resorts, including Jewel Paradise Cove, RIU Ocho Rios and Sandals Ochi.

Agents who were not able to join the FAM trip in person were able to tune in for a special live-on-location Irie Hour broadcast hosted at Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay on Oct. 25. The energetic live show featured entertainment, cooking and cocktail demonstrations.

Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board, said: “For this very special Irie Hour FAM trip, we chose agents who have demonstrated a strong dedication to Jamaica over the past year. These loyal agents have shown up during many of our virtual Irie Hour sessions and they are committed to learning about Jamaica.”

Bennett added: “This was an opportunity for us to thank these hardworking agents in person for their continued support of Jamaica and showcase some of the very best island experiences, hotels, and attractions for them to share with their clients back in Canada.”

Go to www.visitjamaica.com/Canada for more.

Caption for Photo

Seen here, from l to r, are Jamaica Tourist Board staff members Judy Nash, Office Manager; Emma Madsen, Business Development Manager, Western Canada; Daniel Stubbs, Business Development Officer, Eastern Canada; Racquel Queensborough, Business Development Manager, Ontario; Jerron Britton, Business Development Manager, Montego Bay; and Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada.