JAMAICA’S tourism industry has received a major boost as more than five million listeners across key locations in the United States tuned in to hear their favourite disc jockeys (DJs) promote the island and Sandals Resorts.

Forty-three radio stations hailing from crucial markets across the US were last week at Sandals Dunn’s River for a Sandals Resorts radio remote, making waves and significantly elevating the island’s tourism profile among millions of listeners.

This exciting event, titled ‘Broadcast Paradise’, ran from January 13 to 21 at the stunning Sandals Dunn’s River. During this period, key figures from Sandals, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), and other local stakeholders were interviewed, discussing all things tourism and seizing the opportunity to showcase Jamaica to its largest source market, the USA.

“We are excited to be the hosts of such a major tourism event,” said an upbeat Deryk Meany, general manager of Sandals Dunn’s River. “Not only are we promoting the brand new and reimagined Sandals Dunn’s River but also showcasing Jamaica as well.”

“The radio remote offered fantastic opportunity to sell Brand Jamaica as well as the Sandals brand — and it came at an opportune time when many listeners were researching the best vacation spots to visit during the winter months. Jamaica is a prime location and Sandals is poised to give them the luxury-included getaway that they are looking for,” Meany said.

The disc jockeys also got a chance to experience the island’s culture, visiting a number of attractions courtesy of Island Routes Adventures as well as restaurants, including the world-famous Miss T’s Kitchen.

Popular station deejays also posted daily reports and blogs of their Jamaican experiences on social network sites, thereby substantially increasing the island’s visibility in the international marketplace.

“This radio remote is important because it opens up the destination. Each station here has a wide range of listenership. It’s different persons coming in to show different perspectives of Jamaica,” said Odette Dyer, JTB’s regional director, Jamaica, who was also one of the individuals interviewed during the sessions. The JTB was a partner in the broadcast.