WHY IT RATES: The Jamaica Tourist Board has historically made travel advisor education a key priority, which is clearly evidenced by the launch of “Taste of Jamaica Experience,” which will visit, Raleigh, N.C., S.C.; and Tampa, Orlando and Miami in Florida. — Claudette Covey, Executive Retail Editor
The Jamaica Tourist Board kicked off its “Taste of Jamaica Experience” roadshow July 21, bringing Jamaica’s signature hospitality, destination updates and cultural experiences to more than 500 travel advisors across six Southeast U.S. markets.
Running July 21-30, 2026, the multi-city initiative will visit Raleigh, Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando and Miami, providing travel professionals with the opportunity to connect with Jamaica Tourist Board representatives, learn about the latest developments across the destination and gain insights to help inspire future travel bookings to the island.
“Jamaica is known for some of its powerful cultural expressions and food falls in the top three. It is therefore strategic to amplify our culinary expertise in our top source market with our top selling advisors who are champions of promoting the destination,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.
Each event will feature a culinary showcase of Jamaican favorites, including banana chips, spiced buns, ginger biscuits, busta candy and I Love Jamaica chocolate squares, along with a plated dinner. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment celebrating Jamaica’s vibrant culture, featuring performances by the Jamaica Cultural Folk Group “Rythmz of the Caribbean,” and reggae band Askia Bakari. During these events, the Jamaica Tourist Board will also honor the Jamaica Travel Specialist Top 50 Alumni Travel Advisors.
“Travel advisors are an integral part of Jamaica’s continued tourism success, and we are excited to bring this experience directly to our valued partners throughout the Southeast,” said Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism, The Americas, Jamaica Tourist Board. “The “Taste of Jamaica Experience” will provide advisors with important destination updates while allowing them to experience the warmth, culture and authenticity that define Jamaica.”
Leading the roadshow are Jamaica Tourist Board representatives Tamara Christie-Johnson, Business Development Officer, and Christopher Wright, Senior Business Development Officer. They will be joined by Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan, the Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Atlanta, and Evette Reynolds, President of the Atlanta Jamaica Association.
For travel advisors interested in attending the "Taste of Jamaica Experience" Roadshow, please find the 2026 schedule below:
• Tuesday, July 21
o Raleigh, North Carolina
o Brier Creek Country Club
• Wednesday, July 22
o Charlotte, North Carolina
o Morton’s The Steakhouse
• Thursday, July 23
o Atlanta, Georgia
o Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina
• Tuesday, July 28
o Tampa, Florida
o The Rusty Pelican
• Wednesday, July 29
o Orlando, Florida
o Hilton Orlando Altamonte Springs
• Thursday, July 30
o Miami, Florida
o EB Hotel Miami
The Jamaica Tourist Board’s “Taste of Jamaica Experience” underscores its ongoing commitment to supporting the travel advisor community and providing partners with the resources and connections needed to showcase Jamaica’s diverse experiences to travelers.
SOURCE: Jamaica Tourist Board
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