Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

There’s more to Jamaica than its awe-inspiring beaches. Holidays in Jamaica offer the chance to go beyond the sandy beaches and explore exhilarating adventures among the island’s beautiful landscapes. Discover a wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventure in Jamaica thanks to its lush forests, soaring mountains and picturesque scenery.
Hike the Blue and John Crow Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Grab your hiking boots and head out to the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (BJCMNP). The park comprises 100,000 acres of tropical rainforest and is often referred to as the lungs of eastern Jamaica. Established in 1993, the BJCMNP is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region has been noted for having more than 800 species of plants, as well as the largest butterfly in the western hemisphere – the giant swallowtail (Papilo homerus). Ecclesdown and Hardwar Gap in the Blue Mountains have been noted as prime locations from which to view much of the island’s flora and fauna. 
Coffee plantations for connoisseurs
As well as wildlife and incredible views, the Blue Mountains are also home to many coffee estates. The plantations produce a bean of such high quality that it is a protected trademark: Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is quite simply one of the best in the world. The coffee beans found in the mountain range take twice as long to ripen compared to many other types of beans and they are manually inspected to maintain their high quality. Enjoy a Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee tour and sip away among the majestic landscape of the mountains – the perfect recipe for the ultimate coffee experience. ADVERTISEMENTFeathered friends galore
Did you know there are over 200 species of resident and migrant birds in Jamaica? The island’s tropical landscape features fertile soil and year-round sunshine which has attracted a number of species to Jamaica. Bird watchers can interact with diverse species of birds in peaceful settings across the island such as Rockland Bird Sanctuary, Barney’s Flower and Hummingbird Garden and the Holywell Park in the Blue Mountains. Some birds will even allow you to feed them so you can get up close and personal with some of Jamaica’s feathered creatures.
Smooth rides along scenic river routes
The Martha Brae River located just a few miles inland from the historic town of Falmouth, is a slice of tranquillity. Here, bamboo rafts gently float down the serene river while passengers sit atop a double-seat raft. Whether you’re looking for a unique romantic excursion or a relaxing family outing, the soft sounds of the whispering river create an idyllic environment. The towering trees lining the riverbanks provide a beautiful canopy as well as hosting an exciting variety of wildlife. Exotic bird calls and overhead drilling by woodpeckers are likely to be the only sounds to interrupt you. The Rio Grande is another scenic river that runs through the eastern part of Jamaica in Portland. Bamboo raft captains typically ensure not to disturb your peaceful ride but will also graciously point out native natural elements. You can also take a short pause and jump in for a quick swim in the river.

The Luminous Lagoon
Put on your swimsuits for a unique experience in the glistening waters of the famous Luminous Lagoon. Home to millions of dinoflagellates, at night the lagoon sparkles and glistens when disturbed, as these microscopic organisms produce an eerie glow, reflecting the outlines of fish and other objects in the water. The Luminous Lagoon is said to be the largest and most brilliant of four in the world, a fact that continually attracts and awes visitors and scientists from around the world. 
Encounters with the wild
Get up close and personal with real-life crocodiles at the Black River Safari Crocodile Tour.  The river is home to crocodiles hiding in the mangroves from baby crocs to the large males which can grow to over 13 feet long. Other creatures that inhabit the island include frogs, butterflies, bats, snakes, lizards, iguanas and more. 
An abundance of waterfalls
Don’t miss out on Jamaica’s flowing falls that can be found all over the island. The cool chill of river water is particularly refreshing when the temperature is at its hottest. What makes waterfalls here so special is that no two seem to be the same. The dips and depths of freshwater beds, varying elevations, and intensity of cascades, plus surrounding vegetation, make every river excursion a unique one. Ocho Rios’ iconic Dunn’s River Falls is a popular choice with visitors who aim to conquer the climb to its summit. Not far from it flows a selection of other stair-like cascades, such as as Konoko Falls and Turtle River Falls; these are close enough for water lovers to conquer all three in a single day. 

YS Falls located in the South Coast features a series of cascading waterfalls and natural pools that visitors can swim in, as well as take part in a range of activities, including ziplining and river tubing. Mayfield Falls is a hidden gem surrounded by lush vegetation in a peaceful and secluded location near Negril. 
Jamaica was a big winner at last years World Travel Awards, the country was named the Caribbean’s Leading Destination 2022, for the 16th straight year. Jamaica also took the award for Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2022, Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board 2022, for the 14th year in a row and Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination 2022.​Explore the abundance of natural beauty all year round in Jamaica. To learn more about Jamaica, visit https://www.visitjamaica.com/.

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Quito, your story starts here!

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Quito Turismo’s Communication and Marketing teams, in collaboration with Quito City Council’s Ministry of Communication, have worked tirelessly to elaborate the city’s new branding.
In marketing, city branding is a concept and image that provides the city with its own unique identity, style and mark, offering a series of singular and exclusive attributes by which to identify and recognise the city and differentiate it from others.
This new approach sees the graphics, typeface and colours all updated. New modern elements and current design trends have been incorporated to achieve a visual and sensory impact on the audience, thus inspiring them to discover the charms and sites of the Capital of the Centre of the World.One of the major changes is the overhaul of the Quito isologo, which now features a more simple and modern style. The first letter, the ‘Q’, resembles a geolocation icon. Alongside the word ‘Quito’ we have the slogan ‘Your Story Starts Here’, which is much more memorable and directly alludes to the experiences that visitors will be able to embark on from the Metropolitan District.
The new city branding provides the possibility of incorporating the entire range of services and attractions that the capital city has to offer, such as a special, adapted isologo for gastronomy, events, nature and municipal programmes, for example.The updated image will be gradually rolled out in public spaces and facilities, like Mariscal Sucre International Airport, as well as at certain government offices and installations. In addition, it will be shared worldwide in order to boost Quito’s position and presence on the international market and increase its appeal as a tourist destination.
The previous ‘Quito – Your Story Starts in Quito’ city branding was launched in 2018, following a study initiated one year before, and was used until June of this year. During this time, it was the image of the Ecuadorian capital that was mainly projected in the international market.ADVERTISEMENTAbout Quito Tourism BoardQuito Tourism Board helps and manages the development and promotion of tourism and the meetings industry in the Metropolitan District of Quito, in partnership with the tourism industry and other productive sectors, for the benefit of local, national, and foreign visitors.Quito, the Capital at the Middle of the World, is the closest city to the sun and the only place where it is possible to stand with one foot in each hemisphere. This city, declared the First Cultural Heritage of Humanity thanks to its Historic centre, mixes the pre-Hispanic, colonial, traditional and modern.Quito is also a place for adventure. This equatorial city is the start of the Avenue of Volcanoes, or you can visit the Andean Chocó, home to the spectacled bear and thousands of bird species.It is also the gateway to the four worlds of Ecuador: Galapagos, Pacific Coast, Andes and Amazon. Quito has a unique cuisine that fuses ancestral knowledge and flavours with avant-garde proposals that conquer the palates of those who try it.https://visitquito.ec/

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Tailor-made travel specialist Audley Travel has conducted research* into what defines a luxury holiday experience and has concluded that a ‘5-star feeling’ is indeed a more measured personal preference, with almost a third of people explaining that spending time in nature provoked a feeling of opulence (29%), and 38% saying time spent with family on holiday was the luxurious gift they crave.

For many Brits (60%) the classic combination of indulging their taste buds and relaxing by the pool (43%) whilst on a break was front of mind when thinking about what luxury means to them during holidays taken in the past (in the UK or abroad). Almost half (46%) explained visiting ‘new places and cultures’ was important, and for almost a fifth of people asked, indulging in a good book and meeting local people (18%) felt lavish to them. Being away from the crowds is a luxury for more than 3 in 10 (31%) with 14% going further to say spending time completely alone is a holiday luxury.

The findings showed however that when trying to please others when planning a trip that luxury feeling can be lost. Unsurprisingly deciding where to go on holiday can be a stressful experience when trying to please a group with 35% of those asked struggling to fulfil everyone’s wishes. The findings showed that 21% explained the cause of family and friends wanting to do different things was to blame, with 20% mentioning it is difficult to identify a destination that will meet everyone’s needs. To help combat this, more than a third (34%) of people said they would like to seek the advice of someone who had visited the destination before so they could plan better and avoid friction amongst the group (13% said wanting to do different things leads to arguments).ADVERTISEMENTAudley Travel CEO, Nick Longman said: “As a nation, we’re on a journey to become more mindful in everything we do, and our findings show that travel is no different. What makes a holiday feel luxurious is actually a very personal preference. It’s the seemingly simple moments that are most appreciated, from a stunning sunset to a meaningful exchange with a new person.

“Designing a trip with an Audley expert means individual or group tastes can be taken into account. There are multiple ways of experiencing the same place, for example in Cape Town some people prefer to walk up Table Mountain, others take the cable car and some happily enjoy the view from the base. All preferences are catered for and everyone has their wow moment.”
When it comes to deciding where to go on holiday the majority of people surveyed (43%) said they searched online for inspiration, whereas 35% preferred the familiarity of destinations they have been to before and liked. Friends and family recommendations were cited as a trusted source when planning a trip with 31% of people answering this impacted their decision making, and nearly a fifth of respondents (19%) were enticed by far flung, exotic locations or chose ‘unusual destinations’ (18%) with the same number choosing to stay within a short flight of the UK.

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Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), team up with Moroccan National Tourist Office to showcase the magic of the country.
Wego continues to partner with leading tourism boards globally to provide more choice for travelers and promote the best of those destinations, making it easier for travelers to discover their unhidden charms.
Through the company’s cutting-edge platform, travelers will be empowered to explore Morocco’s hidden gems through immersive virtual experiences, curated itineraries, and tailored suggestions that cater to their unique preferences.
Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial officer and Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego said: “We are excited to embark our partnership with Moroccan National Tourist Office. This partnership is set to inspire and captivate travelers worldwide, igniting a sense of wanderlust. We recorded over 39% increase in the number of searches to the country in 2023 in comparison to the same period last year, with over 2 million searches so far. We are looking forward to forging a long-lasting relationship with the board.”
Morocco offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of travelers during the summer.ADVERTISEMENTFor history and culture enthusiasts, exploring the ancient medinas of cities like Marrakech and Fes is a must. Immerse yourself in the bustling souks, admire stunning architectural masterpieces like the Koutoubia Mosque, and visit historical sites such as the iconic Jardin Majorelle.
Nature lovers can embark on an adventure to the Sahara Desert, where they can experience the magic of camel trekking, spend a night under the starry desert sky, and witness mesmerizing sunsets over the golden dunes.
Beachgoers can head to coastal towns like Essaouira or Agadir, where they can relax on pristine sandy beaches, try water sports like surfing, or savor delicious seafood.
Food enthusiasts can indulge in the aromatic flavors of Moroccan cuisine, sampling tagines, couscous, and traditional mint tea in local restaurants or joining cooking classes to learn the secrets of Moroccan culinary delights.
With its vibrant markets, captivating landscapes, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, Morocco offers an unforgettable summer experience for travelers of all interests.

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Dubai is officially ahead of its 2019 tourism levels, which was a record-breaking year for the emirate. Dubai Tourism’s May 2023 data recorded 7.39 million international visits YTD, slightly higher than May 2019’s 7.16 million.It is hoped by the Dubai government that the city will beat its FY 2019 numbers by the end of 2023.
The majority of Dubai’s top 20 source markets are all ahead of May 2019 levels too. India accounted for 1.038 million visitors up to May 2023 compared to 846,000 in May 2019.
It is hoped by the Dubai government that the city will beat its FY 2019 numbers by the end of 2023.
The majority of Dubai’s top 20 source markets are all ahead of May 2019 levels too. India accounted for 1.038 million visitors up to May 2023 compared to 846,000 in May 2019.
ADVERTISEMENTIt is hoped by the Dubai government that the city will beat its FY 2019 numbers by the end of 2023.
The majority of Dubai’s top 20 source markets are all ahead of May 2019 levels too. India accounted for 1.038 million visitors up to May 2023 compared to 846,000 in May 2019.
During this year’s City Briefing, Issam Kazim told the emirate’s hospitality leaders he wants to convert holiday-makers into residents.

Kazim said: “Today we have two new KPIs. We want to make sure Dubai continues to be one of the best cities to work in, and more importantly, one of the best cities in the world to live in.”
Source: Hotelier Middle East

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Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, announces the impending retirement of Chris Thompson as President and CEO, effective May 31, 2024.After a successful tenure of leading the organization, Thompson has decided to step down and pursue life beyond work.
During his time as President and CEO, Thompson has played a pivotal role in promoting the United States as a premier travel destination. Under his leadership, Brand USA has achieved remarkable milestones, including increased international visitation, and enhanced global awareness of the diverse offerings across the country.
Thompson’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in driving Brand USA’s success. His dedication to fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and international organizations has strengthened the organization’s position as a global leader in destination marketing.
“It has been an incredible privilege to serve as President and CEO of Brand USA,” said Thompson. “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that the organization will continue to thrive under new leadership.”
The Brand USA Board of Directors expressed their gratitude to Thompson for his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the organization. “Under Chris’s strategic guidance, the Brand USA team has kept the USA the preferred travel destination in the world”, stated Todd Davidson, Chair of the Brand USA Board and CEO of Travel Oregon. “Chris’s integrity, tenacity, passion and belief in the power of the travel and tourism industry to bring prosperity to all Americans, fueled the advancement of the US travel and tourism industry and established an organizational foundation of innovation, resiliency and future-focused confidence. We all wish him the very best in his retirement.”ADVERTISEMENTThe search for a new President and CEO is commencing, and Brand USA is committed to finding a successor who will build upon Thompson’s legacy and continue to drive the organization forward. The Board of Directors will work closely with an executive search firm to identify a candidate with the necessary expertise, vision, and passion for promoting the United States as a global travel destination.

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In preparation for a significant surge in tourism, Saudi Arabia has established a new investment firm. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has proudly introduced the Saudi Tourism Investment Company (Asfar), aimed at bolstering the growth of the country’s tourism sector.
Asfar’s primary focus will be on investing in novel tourism projects and developing alluring destinations within various cities across the Kingdom. This includes the enhancement of hospitality, tourist attractions, retail, and food and beverage offerings, as well as investing in the local tourism value chain.
Mishary Alibraheem, Head of Entertainment, Leisure and Sport sector in MENA Investments at PIF, said: “Asfar will activate the role that Saudi Arabia’s cities play in supporting the national economy. It will enable each city to make the most of its unique tourism offering, further diversifying and enriching the tourism and entertainment experience in Saudi Arabia.
“PIF tourism projects and companies are working side by side, supporting and strengthening the tourism ecosystem.
“The creation of the company is in line with PIF’s strategy to create opportunities in the tourism sector and reinforce strategic partnership opportunities with the private sector, creating jobs and diversifying sources of income for the local economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”ADVERTISEMENTAsfar’s missionThe company’s core mission is to foster an environment that facilitates private sector co-investment opportunities while also creating an appealing space for local suppliers, contractors, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to partake in tourism project and destination development.
By promoting healthy competition, Asfar aims to enrich the diversity and quality of the hospitality and tourism experiences available in the country. Leveraging Saudi Arabia’s advantageous strategic location between Asia, Africa, and Europe, as well as the competitive edge of its cities, the company seeks to capitalize on the nation’s natural beauty and cultural richness, enhancing tourism experiences.
Through these efforts, Asfar looks to attract both domestic and international tourists to explore a plethora of untapped destinations across the country. In doing so, the company envisions contributing significantly to the national goal of attracting 100 million visitors annually by the year 2030.
Source; Hotelier Middle East

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Buoyed by the full recovery of Jamaica’s tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism is targeting 250,000 visitors from Latin America (Latam) over the next 5years.The move forms part of the Minister’s aggressive push to reengage this large source market.
“The Latin America region has over 600 million people and represents one of the largest source markets for Jamaica that we must capitalize on. With travel fully returned and the potential of new airlift out of the region, we are building out strategies to attract these visitors,” said Minister Bartlett.Copa Airlines remains the strongest airline partner with an increased frequency of 4 flights weekly to Montego Bay and Kingston, with the aim of providing 5 flights weekly by Q1 in 2024.
“Now is the time for Jamaica, a sought-after destination, to leverage this very lucrative market as part of our drive to welcome 5 million visitors by 2025. With 20 thousand rooms coming on stream in Jamaica, we will need to engage our airline partners for more airlift and seats, our tour operators, and create more investment to support this drive,” said Minister Bartlett.
In 2019, Jamaica welcomed over 38 thousand visitors from Latam, and the island was poised to increase this number in 2020, but then COVID hit. Coming out of the pandemic, in 2022, Jamaica was able to welcome over 22 thousand visitors from the region.“The signs of interest for travel from Latam to Jamaica are strong, and we are ready to showcase our authentic culture and unique offerings,” said Director of Tourism, Donovan White.Minister Bartlett is in Latin America with a team of senior tourism representatives as part of a high-level strategic reengagement of the region.
Jamaica was named the Caribbean’s Leading Destination 2022, for the 16th straight year at last years World Travel Awards.  Jamaica also scooped the award for Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2022, Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board 2022, for the 14th year in a row and Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination 2022.ADVERTISEMENT

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