Jamaica has recorded a buoyant first quarter for visitor arrival figures for 2006. Figures for April are just in and indicate a record start to the year with UK arrivals increasing a massive 35.4 per cent year on year.

Jamaica Tourist Board’s Regional Director for UK, Ireland and Northern Europe, Elizabeth Fox welcomed the news and added that this has been underpinned by the JTB’s UK-focussed campaign and committed support to this market.

“If you look back to 2003 you’ll see significant increases every year for the month of April, and overall the January to April period has increased consistently every year,” said Ms Fox.

“We have executed a targeted campaign within the UK to promote the diversity of Jamaica and the many different experiences the Island has to offer. We believe that UK travellers are realising just what an amazing destination Jamaica is at all times of the year, and the unrivalled level of accommodation and facilities it has.”

Fox continues “Visitors are discovering their Jamaica.  From families to honeymooners to those looking for complete escapism surrounded by nature and adrenalin junkies in search of something more extreme in the sun, Jamaica truly has something to offer everyone. Giving travellers the key to unlock their own experience has been the objective and one which I’m happy to say we are achieving.”

Ms Fox concludes:  “Jamaica will play host to a range of leisure events over the coming months, another reason to choose Jamaica as a destination.  These include the Calabash International Literary Festival, the Reggae Sumfest, the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival and the Epicurean Escape. The 2007 Cricket World Cup is already generating a big buzz across land and preparations are well under way for what is promising to be a once in a life time experience.”

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