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Caribbean
Tourism |
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Discover
the Caribbean, Africa's WHAT'S NEW
IN JAMAICA? JAMAICA'S IMPRESSIVE RISE IN TOURISM
SHOWS RENEWED CONFIDENCE IN TRAVEL TORONTO, ON: The Jamaica
Tourist Board (JTB) has reported a tremendous
increase of 20% in visitor arrivals to Jamaica in
the first half of 2003 over the same period in
2002. This major rebound in tourist arrivals since
September 11, 2001 marks confidence in the Jamaica
product. "It's inspiring to see such
a remarkable comeback for tourism, and to know that
so many people are traveling again," said Mr. Paul
Pennicook, Jamaica's Director of Tourism. "The
intensive promotional activities of the Jamaica
Tourist Board, its airline and hotel partners, have
played a large role in reminding the public about
Jamaica's unparalleled tourism offerings and with
exciting marketing activities planned for the rest
of the year and into 2004, we anticipate a
continuous increase in arrival," he
added. The number of cruise
passenger arrivals to Jamaican ports of call showed
the largest increases up from 431,765 last year to
601,214. From January to June the country also had
678,315 visitors who stayed overnight in hotels, up
from 634,015 in the first six months of
2002. For more information,
contact the Jamaica Tourist Board office at
1-800-JAMAICA, or visit the Jamaica Tourist Board's
website at http://www.visitjamaica.com Africa's
Cultural Connection in the Americas Recently, we
had the opportunity to meet and share the platform
with President Jennifer Smith of Bermuda at an
African Tourism Congress in Cape Town. She and her
Tourism Minister David Allen helped strengthen the
ties between our association (ATA) and the
Caribbean Tourism Organization.
I've
traveled to the sunny Caribbean on several
occasions, most recently via American Airlines with
a team representing National Geographic and several
other US and Canadian media. Having lived and
worked in West Africa as a Travel Agent, I have
always been impressed by the cultural similarities
between the peoples of those islands and several
West African countries, such as Benin, Senegal and
Cote d'Ivoire. The historic ties between the
Caribbean and Africa are well known, and growing
stronger thanks to improved travel links and
opportunities. As an active
member of the Francophone Community, I had an
unforgettable vacation in Martinique and Guadeloupe
(details on that later). For those reasons and
others, we are proud to introduce this special page
on Caribbean tourisms destination. We will also
include news releases and background on the
Caribbean Tourism Organization. Click for
full
screen version of map.
Contact the following locations. CTO
Head Office-Barbados Canada-
Toronto UK-
London CTO
Background Objectives: Create in
the marketplace a greater awareness and
understanding of Caribbean tourism. Create a
greater public awareness and understanding of
tourism by host countries. Develop the
highest level of skills and professionalism in the
personnel serving the Caribbean in tourism and
tourism related areas. Design and
develop a comprehensive tourism information
system. Ensure a
harmonious interaction between tourism and the
social and natural environment. Give special
support to those countries not able to represent
themselves. Foster close
links with regional institutions and international
donor agencies. Develop a
capacity to assist members in defining and
responding to any tourism related need. Service,
retain and expand the membership of CTO. Develop the
strongest possible linkage between the tourism
sector and other economic sectors, for example,
agriculture, manufacturing and services of all
kinds. |
