Meeting planners from the United Kingdom and North America who visited Jamaica in June for the sixth annual Jamaica Meetings Exchange (JAMEX), have responded positively to the island’s offer. It was the first time that UK planners attended JAMEX and their participation reflects the growing interest from this and other European markets in Jamaica’s meetings, incentive, conference and events (MICE) product. JAMEX, which was held at the Half Moon, Montego Bay, provided meeting planners with the opportunity to participate in educational sessions, special events and a trade show, all of which focused on highlighting the diversity of Jamaica’s MICE product.

A number of special workshops, aimed at UK buyers, were also held throughout the five-day conference, specifically designed to facilitate better relationships between planners and suppliers, as well as foster a better understanding of the Jamaica’s meetings industry.

Commenting on the success of JAMEX, Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director, UK/Europe, Jamaica Tourist Board, said:

“Each year JAMEX gives us the opportunity to creatively showcase Jamaica to meeting planners from around the world. This year’s event was a tremendous success due to the diversity of a programme that highlighted what Jamaica has to offer its visitors in terms of accommodation, culture, landscape, attractions and activities.

“We were delighted to be joined by nine UK planners at this year’s event as it presented them with the opportunity to sample the product at first hand. It was a real case of ‘Once you go, you know.’ Our MICE product is becoming increasingly popular to the UK and European markets, who are always looking for that ‘special something’ for their clients, which is what Jamaica has to offer. On the back of this recent success, we are planning to extend invitations to European buyers to attend JAMEX 2006”, concludes Fox.
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