The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and Air Jamaica have joined forces to reach a key segment of its target market through the sponsorship of the 2009 New York Urban League 38th Annual Football Classic, the biggest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football game. This annual event, to be held on Saturday, September 19 at the Giant’s Stadium will benefit the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund and the New York Urban League (NYUL) Educational Programs.

A lucky patron attending the game will have an opportunity to win a 5 day/4 night vacation for two to Jamaica, courtesy of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Air Jamaica and Holiday Inn.  Representatives from the various agencies will also be on-hand to promote travel to Jamaica.

“Being a part of this event gives us an opportunity to reach a captive educated and affluent African American audience in a fun and exciting way. It also allows us to speak directly to a prime target of our marketing efforts, the Spring Break Traveler as well as college students.” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Tourism Director. “Through our promotional efforts at the tailgating party with our valued partners Air Jamaica and Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, we hope to educate this valuable audience on the affordability, ease and excitement of a Spring Break vacation in Jamaica.”

“The New York Urban League Football Classic is an excellent way to inform sports travelers and Spring Breakers about Air Jamaica’s group travel deals, and encourage them to make Air Jamaica their preferred carrier to Jamaica and the Caribbean,” said George W. deMercado, Air Jamaica’s Senior Director, Global Sales. “On Air Jamaica, passengers will experience our legendary Lovebird Hospitality and find that vacations begin the moment they board.”

Air Jamaica, the national airline of Jamaica, provides many services for groups and others who wish to visit the island. Some of Air Jamaica’s special services for groups of 10 or more include: 
•Competitive group discounts and guaranteed fares for 10 or more persons
• Increased group discounts during off-peak travel
• E-tickets available directly through Air Jamaica
• VIP Meet & Greet program
• Group check-in and recognition
• Advance seat assignments and group block seating

This year’s event, featuring Morgan State University and Winston-Salem State University, will get underway at 2:00 pm and will be preceded by the popular tailgating party.  The JTB along with its airline and hotel partners will also participate in the vendors market, providing giveaways and sharing information with patrons.