Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1494066
B M & T ••• March/April 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 44 closely with their regional representatives from the JTB and their partners throughout the year to sell the destina- tion. From destination weddings to large group trips and smaller vacations, the specialists play a large role in the uptick in tourism to the island since the reopening post COVID. Jamaica is expected to see a continued growth invisitors to the island in winter 2023. Pictured: Donovan White, Director of Tourism, JTB, (left), Karlene Shakes, National Sales Manager, JTB, (middle left), Lindsey Johnson of Tropics Travel, North America's #1 Performing Agent (middle right), and Donnie Dawson, Deputy Director of Tourism, Americas, JTB (right). "Jamaica is projecting record-breaking arrival numbers for the upcoming winter season, and these loyal JTS agents from the United States and Canada have played a pivotal role in the destination's success," said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, JTB. "The One Love Affair gives us an opportunity to come together to recognize these top travel specialists, celebrate their achievements, and thank them for their ongoing support." Not only does the One Love Affair event celebrate the agents, but also ensures they are able to further familiarize themselves with the island during this time. The trip is an opportunity for the agent's continued education of Jamaica by experiencing more of the island, touring the resorts, and ensuring the agents are informed and up to date on all the JTB's latest updates. Pictured: DeAna Haywood of Queen of the Isles (left), and Victoria Harper, District Sales Manager-Northeast USA, JTB {right) "Jamaica Travel Specialists today form the core of advisors who inspire U.S. vacationers to select Jamaica for warm-weather vacations," said Donnie Dawson, Deputy Director of Tourism, Americas, JTB. "We are excited to celebrate them this year and continue to support our travel specialists." As part of the One Love Affair celebration, agents and their plus ones were wined and dined during the evenings and taken on excursions during the day. They were able to select Reggae River rafting in the Lethe Village or a scenic catamaran tour. They also attended a chic, all-white beach party at Montego Bay's Half Moon Resort. The elegant One Love Affair award ceremony featured dinner and dancing, a virtual presentation from Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, and a special performance by famed Jamaican Dancehall artist, Beenie Man. To register for the Jamaica Travel Specialist program, visit www. oneloverewards.com. For more information about Jamaica, please visit www.visit- jamaica.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. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris. For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB's Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1- 800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).