It was at the Jamaica pavilion, on Notre-Dame Island, in Montreal, that a training afternoon on this island in the Antilles was organized last Friday.
Approximately 75 travel advisors were invited to learn about the island’s tourism opportunities.
Eight presentations of around ten minutes from different hotel chains were offered to them, as well as some advice on sales techniques provided by Emilie GiguèreDevelopment Director of the Jamaica Tourism Bureau for Eastern Canada.
Ms. Giguère notably argued that Jamaica’s beaches are not invaded by algae, due to sea currents, and that it is the only place in the region where the water is drinkable and where it can be drunk from faucet.
As for the transport time between the airport and the hotel complexes, which is generally quite long due to the poorly developed road network, it should be considered as an opportunity to admire the panorama, she thinks.
“The landscape is magnificent. And the bus driver takes advantage of the time he has at his disposal to take a guided tour.”
The evening then continued in a pleasant and relaxed manner with Jamaican food, a music group and a small wine tasting game offered by Vins aux Féminins and wines by Jessica Harnois. Curried goat cheese, smoked chicken and salmon washed down with rum punch were on the menu.
Presentations
This is the Canlink representative, Brent Carnegiewho began the presentation, extolling the merits of Tryall Cluba complex of 88 luxury villas in Montego Bay, and Jamaica Innwhich offers spacious suites, chalets and a 700-foot private beach in Ocho Rios.
The representative of Playa Hotels & Resorts, Christopher Jeffrey-Racinethen continued with dynamism and humor.
“The service offered by Playa hotels is based on three main pillars: top quality food, professional entertainment and well-being,” he says.
He particularly highlighted the Jewel Paradise Covein Runaway Bay, specializing in wellness activities like yoga or meditation. This four-star, adults-only resort has 225 rooms.
“This is the old Hedonism ll. But don’t worry, we cleaned it with lots of bleach. We are in a very natural world but not naturist,” he says.
As for the Hilton Rose Hall of Montego Bay, which he describes as increasingly popular, it has a brand new lobby with ocean views and a ruins-style water park that is “the same size as the hotel.”
Rival de Christopher Jeffrey-Racine question humour, Guy Archambaultfrom Sandals and Beaches, recalled that the chain has 7 Sandals resorts in Jamaica and 2 Beaches resorts, specialized for families.
“I emphasize again that these are all-inclusive ultras. If there are two of you on vacation, there are no longer two of you, but there are three of you, and so are your wallets,” insists Mr. Archambault.
The latter mentions the Sandals de Montego Bayopened in 1981, but “completely revamped”. And the Ochi Sandalswhich has 519 rooms and 16 à la carte restaurants.
“Sandals Ochi is the place to be. It’s the cheapest in our portfolio,” he says.
“Big changes” at Sandals Negril
The representative also points out the “big changes” that have occurred in the Sandals de Negril, which now offers rooms with “swim up” and “sky pool”, as well as the new very spacious rooms of the Sandals South Coast. “We took two rooms to make one,” he assures.
Until December 8, travel advisors can take advantage of the chain’s Black Friday deals and receive US$100 per reservation made through the agent portal.
Bahia Principe also has its Black Friday promotion and is offering more bonus points during a sale between now and December 3, in addition to the 1,000 welcome points that are granted when registering on its platform.
Sea Garden gives 15% commission during a sale, while it is more like $150 to $500 for Palm Terrace Villa and Events.
