Jamaica Welcomes First Visitors of the Winter Season
12/17/2009
Kingston, Jamaica – December 17, 2009 – Jamaica officially kicked off its Winter 2009/2010 Travel Season on December 15. The first visitors welcomed to the island were a couple from the Washington, D.C. area that traveled to Montego Bay onboard an Air Jamaica flight that originated in Baltimore. The couple is staying at Iberostar Rose Hall Suites in Montego Bay where they plan to marry on Saturday.
“We are pleased to welcome our first winter visitors of the season. Despite the economic challenges of the past year, we are proud that Jamaica remains the preferred Caribbean destination for a winter getaway,” noted John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Jamaica is more accessible and affordable than ever before, due to the fact that our hotel, airline and travel partners are continuing to increase and enhance the tourism product, as well as provide incentives to encourage travelers to visit Jamaica.”
“As Jamaica’s national carrier, we are proud to be the airline that delivered the island’s first winter visitors of 2009/2010,” remarked George W. deMercado, Air Jamaica’s Senior Director, Global Sales. “Our competitively-priced fares make Jamaica an affordable destination to escape the winter weather and celebrate the season with family and friends.”
Edward Neufville and Bahia Akerele were greeted warmly upon arriving at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport by Director of Tourism John Lynch, Director General in the Ministry of Tourism Carrole Guntley, and other tourism officials. Air Jamaica representatives were also on hand, including Regional Airport Manager Owen Campbell. In a happy twist of fate, the couple arrived in Jamaica with plans to tie the knot island-style this Saturday at Iberostar Rose Hall Suites surrounded by family and friends, and was presented with perhaps the most unexpected wedding gift: a return trip to Jamaica, compliments of Air Jamaica and Iberostar Rose Hall Suites.
Jamaica continues to be an affordable and accessible destination for U.S. travelers this winter. Many hotels, resorts and villas are offering special deals and packages, plus Air Jamaica’s Winter-Spring Sale offers discounted fares available for purchase until January 5, 2010, valid for travel from January 11 to May 15, 2010. All fares are round-trip and are subject to government taxes and fees. Conditions regarding black-out periods, cancellations and other charges apply. Sample round-trip fares between Jamaica and North American cities include:
• New York to Kingston $238 round-trip
• Philadelphia to Montego Bay $256 round-trip
• Chicago to Montego Bay/Kingston $264 round-trip
• Philadelphia to Kingston $350 round-trip
• Baltimore to Kingston $402 round-trip
• Baltimore to Montego Bay $412 round-trip
To take advantage of Air Jamaica’s sale fares, visit www.airjamaica.com.
Travelers can learn more about booking a winter getaway to Jamaica at www.visitjamaica.com.
Fare Rules
Fares are per person, round-trip and valid for travel in economy class from January 11 – May 15, 2010. Travel on the outbound sector must commence between January 11, 2010 and April 30, 2010. Black out periods: from the USA February 12 – February 14, 2010 & March 27 – April 12, 2010; and to the USA February 19 – February 21, 2010 & March 27 – April 12, 2010. All travel must be completed by May 15, 2010. Tickets must be purchased by January 5, 2010. U.S. and foreign government imposed taxes and fees of up to $105 per person are additional and due with final payment. A September 11th security fee of $2.50 per person per U.S. enplanement is additional and due with final payment. Ticketing must be completed within 1 day after reservations are made. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Change penalties of $150 and other restrictions may apply. Economy class passengers are allowed two pieces of checked baggage up to 50 lbs, but a fee of $25 will apply for the second checked bag. A ticketing fee of $20 will be charged when purchasing tickets at Air Jamaica ticketing outlets. There is no ticketing fee charged for purchases made via AirJamaica.com. Tickets are non-refundable.
About Air Jamaica
Celebrating its 40th year as Jamaica’s national carrier, Air Jamaica offers the most nonstop flights between the U.S. and Jamaica. The airline serves 12 destinations with more than 160 weekly flights during Fall 2009, including service between Jamaica and Toronto, New York (JFK), Chicago (O’Hare), Baltimore, Philadelphia, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Curacao,Havana and Nassau, as well as nonstop service between New York and Grenada. Voted “The Caribbean’s Leading Airline” for 12 consecutive years, Air Jamaica offers one of the industry’s most generous rewards programs, 7th Heaven Rewards, along with award-winning, free in-flight entertainment, the Island Stylee video and SkyWritings, the in-flight magazine. On Air Jamaica passengers experience the legendary Lovebird Hospitality and warm Caribbean smiles on every flight. For more information or to book travel, visit www.AirJamaica.com.
About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist and Convention Bureau by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2009, while Jamaica earned the WTA’s vote as the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, the Caribbean’s Leading Destination and the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination.
JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com, or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).