Jamaica welcomed its one millionth visitor of 2009 when a couple from Connecticut landed in Montego Bay on Sept. 11, putting the island ahead of schedule for tourism arrivals when compared to arrivals in 2008. The couple, whose travel arrangements were booked through GOGO Worldwide Vacations, traveled onboard Air Jamaica and are staying at Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, which is part of the Sandals family of resorts.
“Welcoming our one millionth visitor is of special importance to Jamaica this year, given the difficult climate facing the travel industry,” noted John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Our continued efforts to make Jamaica even more accessible and affordable have assisted in our tourism remaining stable, and we are optimistic that our hotel, airline and travel partners will continue to provide incentives to encourage travelers to visit Jamaica this year.”
Peter and Gina Carmody, from Wolcott, CT, were greeted warmly upon their landing at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport by Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, Director of Tourism John Lynch and Director General Carrole Guntley. Air Jamaica representatives were also on hand, including Regional Sales Manager for Jamaica/Caribbean Sharon Henry; Special Services Supervisor Sharon Winter Gordon; Group Coordinators Keisha Adams and Christina Dunbar; Customer Care Agent Olive Hines; and Regional Airport Manager Owen Campbell. The couple was presented with complimentary Air Jamaica Lovebird Executive Class tickets to return to the island, as well as accommodations for a future stay at Sandals Resorts.
“As Jamaica’s national carrier, we are proud to be the airline that delivered the island’s one millionth visitor of 2009,” remarked George W. deMercado, Air Jamaica’s Senior Director, Global Sales. “Our special Fall sales will make a Jamaican getaway more wallet friendly to travelers as we look forward to continuing our role as the airline that delivers the most visitors to Jamaica.”
“GOGO Worldwide Vacations has always enjoyed a great relationship with both Jamaica and Air Jamaica, and we are thrilled to have been the entity that booked the destination’s one millionth visitor,” commented Michele Kish, President, GOGO Worldwide Vacations. “Travelers who utilize a travel agent that books through GOGO can trust that their vacation package is competitively priced and full of added value, and will also find the experience seamless from the moment they select their destination until the end of their travels.”
