Jamaica to take-over Glasgow landmark during Commonwealth Games
This July, Barrhead Travel will transform its 55 stores to celebrate its partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board and the arrival of Jamaica House at 29 Glasgow for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Scotland’s largest travel group is teaming up with Jamaica Tourist Board to bring ‘mini Jamaica’ to the city. A series of high profile events, pop up travel shops and showcases of live coverage of the track and field events from Glasgow 2014 will be screened at Club 29 from the 23rd July to 3rd August.
From the 1st to 31st July, Barrhead Travel will also roll out the theme to its store and digital network by embracing all things Jamaican and bringing a taste of the world’s fastest chilled island to the people of Scotland and beyond.
Visitors to the stores will get a real flavour of the vibrancy, colour and character that comes from the country with themed shop fronts as well as the opportunity to secure holidays to the destination from £958 – a celebration of Jamaican elite athlete Usain Bolt’s world record-breaking 100m time of 9.58 seconds.
Sharon Munro, chief executive of Barrhead Travel, said: “Glasgow, as a city, expresses its style, culture and vibrancy on a daily basis but come July, with the Games and the influx of visitors, this will be elevated to new heights. Our partnership with Jamaica Tourist Board to bring Jamaica House 2014 to the city is the perfect fit that will no doubt be met with open arms by residents and visitors alike.
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“Like Jamaica, Scotland loves a celebration and knows how to put on a show. We will be giving Glaswegians a taster of the carnival atmosphere and fanfare that goes hand in hand with a trip to the country.”
Elizabeth Fox, Jamaica Tourist Board’s regional director for UK and N. Europe, said: “Jamaica House 2014 at 29 will be Scotland’s hub for all things Jamaican, and we’re delighted to be partnering with Barrhead Travel to bring it to Glasgow.
“Jamaica has a long history of involvement with the Commonwealth Games and was, in fact, the host nation in 1966. The Jamaica House 2014 events will enable us to host the many people who have supported Jamaica over the years by helping to make it one of the most popular holiday destinations.”
Michelle Mooney, 29 Events Manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been selected as the venue for ‘Jamaica House 2014’ during the Games. Bringing to life one of the world’s biggest partying nations in Glasgow – a place that’s also renowned for its love of a good night out – is tremendously exciting. It’s going to be a huge amount of fun and there will be lots for visitors to enjoy. Moreover, we’re also looking forward to looking after Jamaican delegates and guests, helping them to relax and enjoy the very best of Glasgow hospitality.
“29 Members will of course be welcome throughout the celebrations and will be invited to their own exclusive Glasgow 2014 Party, while non-members can still enjoy a little taste of the fun in the restaurant or by visiting the museum.”
In Glasgow, Jamaica House 2014 will be located at 29, which is situated in the heart of the city. Throughout the Games, those wishing to savour the Jamaican flavour can head to Royal Exchange Square, which will be transformed into a ‘mini-Jamaica’ for all to ‘Get All Right’. Jamaican flag bunting will adorn the streets, while gentle reggae rhythms float through 29’s clubs, bars and restaurants where delicious Jamaican jerk, rum cocktails and Red Stripe beer are firmly on the menu to keep the vibe nice and ‘irie’.
Jamaica House opened for the first time at the London 2012 Olympics in Jamaica’s 50th anniversary year of Independence, and was hosted again in Moscow in 2013 for the IAAF World Championships.