JAMAICA Vacations Limited (JAMVAC) will recognise some of the travel advisers helping to drive cruise business to Jamaica when its Regal Rewards Awards returns on Saturday, August 29, at Sandals Dunn’s River in St Ann.

The event returns as Jamaica’s cruise sector continues its recovery following Hurricane Melissa last October, with JAMVAC highlighting the role of travel advisers and industry partners in sustaining demand for the destination.

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett will address the event — which will bring several leading cruise travel advisers to Jamaica for the recognition of the top performers over the past two years.

Regal Rewards, operated through JAMVAC’s Jamaica Cruising brand, incentivises travel advisers who sell cruises to Jamaica. Advisers earn points for bookings to the destination, while receiving marketing support and resources to help grow Jamaica’s share of the cruise market.

JAMVAC Executive Director Joy Roberts said the return of the awards is particularly significant given the partnerships that have supported the sector’s rebound.

“Following Hurricane Melissa, the response of our cruise partners and travel advisers demonstrated tremendous confidence in destination Jamaica,” Roberts said.

“These advisers are selling Jamaica every day, recommending our ports and experiences and helping to keep the destination top of mind. Regal Rewards allows us to recognise that contribution and strengthen those relationships,” added Roberts.

First staged in 2023, the Regal Rewards Awards were established to recognise high-performing cruise travel advisers while deepening Jamaica’s relationship with the international travel trade.

Roberts noted that their contribution extends beyond visitor arrivals, with cruise tourism supporting attractions, transportation providers, craft traders, restaurants, tour operators, and communities across the island.

The visiting advisers will also experience the destination first-hand during their stay, further connecting those who sell Jamaica internationally with the people, products and experiences available across the island’s cruise points.