Tag: Jamaica

Jewel Dunns River Beach Resort and Spa was recently named the Top Independent Hotel Partner of the Year by Expedia, Inc. at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Associations (CHTA) Caribbean Marketplace. The hotel, owned by U.S. based hotel investment and management firm, Aimbridge Hospitality, received the honour at Expedias Partner Appreciation event held at the Marketplace which took place at the end of January 2012.

The CHTAs Marketplace brought together regional and international buyers, suppliers and marketing companies and has been described as the single most important event for Caribbean hotels and other stakeholders in the Caribbean tourism industry.

Forums like the Marketplace underscore the importance of partnerships between suppliers like Jewel Dunns River Beach Resort in Jamaica and buyers like Expedia, Inc. Michele Olivier, Regional Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Aimbridge Hospitality Resort Division noted the importance of the alliance with Expedia in not only promoting the hotel brand but in lifting the international profile of Jamaica holidays.

Were very pleased to be among Jamaicas elite hotel corpsHaving Expedia as a partner has certainly helped cement Jamaicas position around the globe as a top tourism destination. Wed also like to extend our congratulations to our colleagues. This is going to be a great year for Jamaica! noted Mr Olivier.

The beachfront Jewel Dunns River Beach Resort and Spa is the ideal spot for any couple planning to book romantic all-inclusive holidays in Jamaica. The recently renovated resort is ideally located nearby the romantic Dunns River Falls and is a leading hotel for couples planning a wedding or honeymoon in Jamaica.

In addition to a private beach, the Jewel boasts of tennis courts, a nine hole golf course, a spa and two beautiful pools where guests can sit back relax and enjoy dive-in movies late at night. The Jewel is not just for loved-up couples, it is also an ideal spot for anyone hoping to book adventurous Jamaica holidays near Ocho Rios. Ochi, as it is fondly called, has earned itself a reputation as one of the best destinations for thrill seekers with a host of hikes, water tours and rainforest based activities available.

The nod the Jewel has recently received from Expedia, one of the worlds most trusted travel sites, gives credence to its claim that it is one of the best all-inclusive Jamaica hotels and resorts for adults.

During the Caribbean Marketplace event hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in the Bahamas, leading international hotel chain Choice Hotels International announced plans to expand its business in key Caribbean holiday destinations including Aruba, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States Virgin Islands.

While these markets form part of Choice Hotels long term strategy, spokespeople for the group have stated that opening new Jamaica hotels in 2012 are part of the company’s more immediate plans. Bill Clegg Regional Vice President for Brand Performance and Programs of Choice Hotels International, pegged Jamaica as one of their top five target markets in 2012 in a nod to the growing popularity of Jamaica holidays. We are very keen on re-establishing our presence in Jamaica and driving more business to an already robust tourism destination within the region noted Mr Clegg.

While the Choice Hotels Group is keen to launch its economy and midscale brands to offer affordable Caribbean hotels it is now most excited at the prospect of launching its luxury brand: the Ascend Collection. Choice Hotels provides the opportunity for historic, boutique or otherwise distinctive independent Jamaica hotels to be part of the of the luxury Ascend Collection brand through its membership programme. Jose Salvador Icaza, the Caribbean Franchise Development Director for Choice Hotels International stated the following of the membership programme, Hotel members benefit from our powerful marketing and reservations systems, education and training, and are given the tools to strengthen their commitment to service excellence We’re excited about Ascend and hope to bring Jamaica online in the near future.

Choice Hotels eagerness to launch in Jamaica is part of a growing trend of hotel groups seeking to gain a foothold in the Caribbean island as it continues to prove itself as one of the leading Caribbean holiday destinations. Many people anticipate that the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games will thrust the island further into the spotlight with high hopes of another dominating performance from track and field star Usain Bolt as well as other top performing Jamaican athletes.

Tourism officials in Jamaica have acknowledged the 2012 Games as a key marketing opportunity that can lead to a substantial increase in the number of people booking holidays in Jamaica. Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr. Wykeham McNeill noted that the islands sports personalities would be key in building the islands tourism brand and marketing Jamaica holidays to travellers from key international source markets.

In 2009 you experienced the fever Bolt crated at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Berlin. Well its only gotten bigger because Bolt was adding to Jamaicas past Olympians and world record holders. Today the list goes on and on with Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake and Veronica Campbell-Brown, Dr Wykeham said.