ST JAMES, Jamaica- Renowned globally for its reputation of effortlessly impressing distinguished influencers in the tourism arena, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has forged yet another great relationship with one of the world’s prestigious organisations – Meeting Professionals International (MPI)— to further showcase Jamaica’s tourism product to its impressive worldwide membership network.

The JTB, in collaboration with its Groups and Conventions Department staff, recently hosted senior executives of MPI headquartered in Dallas, Texas, (USA) and approximately 20 of their handpicked planners from the US, Canada, Mexico and Colombia on a familiarisation trip to Jamaica.

“We really thank MPI for working closely with the JTB on this programme. It was a tremendous experience,” said John Woolcock, the JTB’s Groups and Conventions manager, who, along with business development officer, Margaret Clarke, spearheaded the project.

“We truly appreciate MPI for investing in the JTB’s vision in partnering with them, and for selecting their members who were best suited for the programme,” Woolcock noted.

Corroborating Woolcock’s sentiments, Vice President of Business Development at MPI, Cheryl Hatcher, assured her members and the JTB’s representatives that the relationship forged between the JTB and MPI would be long-lasting and successful.

“Because of this trip, we were able to meet in-person and experience Jamaica firsthand and that will contribute to a lasting relationship,” Hatcher affirmed.

Woolcock said there was an over-subscription from MPI buyers who had expressed their interest in visiting Jamaica to get a firsthand experience of the tourism product to sell to their clientele. Woolcock also seized the opportunity to remind MPI’s executives and their members that they would remain a part of the Jamaican family for the foreseeable future, adding: “We’re looking forward to welcoming their groups to Jamaica.”

Meanwhile, MPI’s Business Exchange Lead Manager, Allison Burkey remarked: “I think that Jamaica is simply a place filled with some unexpected pieces, such as its natural beauty and the wealth of properties available. I also believe that the opportunities that exist on the island that people can take advantage of could make a huge difference to their experience. Jamaica is one of those places that appeal to people in many different ways.”

Hatcher and Burkey concurred: “The Jamaica Tourist Board has been phenomenal. It has been an absolute pleasure working with the staff, particularly in the Groups and Conventions Department. The JTB are thought leaders in the industry and are making strides to make their island known as a top destination to be sourced for MICE groups.”

Their three-day site visit included a three-night/four-day stay, cocktail welcome reception, conference and site inspection at host resort Ocean Coral Springs in Trelawny. Further site inspections were carried out at the Montego Bay convention Centre, Iberostar Resort, Hyatt Ziva and the Hyatt Zilara Resort, as well as the Half Moon Resort, all in Montego Bay. Chukka Caribbean Good Hope also partnered with the JTB and MPI to provide the group with a day of fun-filled activities at their Trelawny location.

Woolcock encouraged the MPI executives to connect with the JTB anytime, as they were now part of the Jamaican family.

“We mean that sincerely. The JTB Groups and Conventions department connects with stakeholders globally to build and maintain partnerships in the interest of the Jamaican tourism industry,” Woolcock said.

Incepted 51-years-ago, Meeting Professionals International is said to be the largest industry association for meetings and events globally.