U.S., Canadian Groups Form Coalition to Boost Tourism on Both Sides; Jamaica Tourist Board Celebrates 70 Years

 

“The travel industry’s interconnected nature demands unified voice and action to tackle shared challenges arising from the current unprecedented situation,” the newly-formed BBTC said in a statement. “Speaking with one voice amplifies our influence, ensuring we are not ignored.”

The coalition is raising the alarm over the fallout of a trade war it says is creating a climate of  instability that threatens the travel industry. Canadian airlines have discontinued some flights to the U.S., and Canadian visits to the States are dropping steadily. According to the latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, the number of cross-border travellers going from Canada to the U.S. dropped by nearly 900,000 in March compared to the same month last year. Passenger-vehicle and pedestrian crossings were down roughly 26%.

 

“These challenges threaten not only the financial health of countless businesses but also the livelihoods of millions of workers who rely on a thriving tourism industry,” the coalition said. It also is calling for streamlined visa processes and enhanced cross-border collaboration.

 

“Tourism has the power to bridge borders, drive economic growth, link people together and champion environmental stewardship. By embracing collaboration and innovation, we must build a resilient future that benefits travelers and global communities. As a coalition of Canadian and U.S.-based associations, we stand together and united during this time.”

JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD CELEBRATES 70TH ANNIVERSARY

The Jamaica Tourist Board held a splashy party in Toronto this week to commemorate 70 years of marketing their beautiful island to the world.

“We are immensely proud of how hard we have worked to turn Jamaica into a premier global vacation destination,” said Donovan White, director of the JTB. “Achieving this was no easy feat – it took the dedication, perseverance and commitment of countless members of our unified team to whom we owe a deep sense of gratitude.”

“In tandem with celebrating and recognizing our 70^th anniversary, we are also looking to broaden the markets we serve, and our efforts in Quebec are resonating with the communities there,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, JTB. “We have seen a very positive and encouraging response from Quebeckers, especially those from Quebec City, who are increasingly booking travel to Jamaica because of all that our country has to offer.”

I first visited Jamaica as an 11-year-old in 1967, well before it became an international hot spot. I remember a band playing “Yellow Bird” at a resort in Ocho Rios, and swimming in beautiful, crystal clear, warm Caribbean waters.

I didn’t return until 2009 or so, when I visited the country as the travel editor at the Toronto Star and toured around both Montego Bay (my first stay at the remarkable Half Moon Resort) and Negril. I also got  explore a little of the relatively undeveloped south coast, where I stayed a couple nights at the lovely and slightly funky Jake’s at Treasure Beach and enjoyed a beer at Floyd’s Pelican Bar, a jumbled structure built on a reef off the south coast of the island, near Black River.

I’ve been back at least four or five times since, visiting great spots such as Port Antonio, Frenchman’s Cove (fabulous beach), Boston Bay and other places. I’ve floated on rafts on both the Martha Brae and Rio Grande rivers, dined on amazing jerk chicken, climbed Dunn’s River Falls, toured local markets, tucked into lunch at the legendary Goldeneye Resort (made famous by author Ian Fleming), and much more.

I’ve been lucky to stay at at least a half-dozen hotels on the island, including Half Moon, Jake’s, the fabulous Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, Sandals in Ocho Rios, the casual Goblin Hill Villas near Port Antonio, the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, and the sparkling, white Trident Hotel near Port Antonio, built by Jamaican-Canadian business Michael Lee-Chin. Oh, and a couple nights in an overwater bungalow at Sandals Royal Caribbean!

I spent three nights at the lush, tropical Sunset at the Palms in Negril earlier this month, and loved it. Stay tuned for a report on that in the coming days.

In the meantime, Happy 70th to the Jamaica Tourist Board, and continued success!