TORONTO — The Jamaica Tourist Board honoured its media partners, including Travelweek, at its Media Appreciation & National Awards reception held at The Hazelton Hotel in Toronto.

Travelweek’s VP Media & Content Strategy, Annie Cicvaric, accepted the JTB’s honours on behalf of Travelweek, a long-time partner for the JTB for editorial coverage and more.

Cicvaric has also personally worked extensively with the JTB over the years on run FAMS as part of her ‘Annie on the Run’ series featured in Travelweek Daily. Most recently Cicvaric ran the Reggae Marathon in Negril as a guest of the JTB, in December 2023.

Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada for the JTB, thanked all the trade and consumer media, as well as tour operators and other partners, gathered for the event. 

Agnella Bennett, Regional Director Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board (all photos courtesy ​George Pimentel Photography)

“To our long-standing tour operator partners, your unwavering commitment to showcasing the best of Jamaica has been an instrument of our success, and I thank you,” said Bennett. “To our influential partners whose roots run deep in our culture and whose voices resonate across the globe, you have become powerful ambassadors for Jamaica and for especially the brand. You are sharing your vibrant stories, the rich heritage, and the breathtaking beauty with your audience, far and wide. Your narrative has painted a vivid picture of Jamaica that goes beyond the traditional sun, sea and land, revealing the true depth and diversity of our nation. And I thank our diaspora of distinction in Canada, you are our true ambassadors on the global stage. We rely on you to present the black, the green and the gold.”

Bennett added: “The landscape is ever changing, and we must continue to innovate, adapt and work together to ensure Jamaica remains the top destination for travellers seeking authentic experiences. It is the authenticity that keeps visitors travelling back year after year celebrating long life connections and unforgettable memories. I want to thank you wholeheartedly for your dedication, your creativity, your passion.”

Donovan White, Director of Tourism for the JTB, noted that in recent years Jamaica

“has experienced a true tourism renaissance, transforming from a popular Caribbean destination to a global tourism powerhouse.”

In 2023 Jamaica welcomed more than 4.1 million visitors. In 2024 the island is projected to welcome over 4.2 million with earnings of US$4.3 billion.

“It isn’t just about the numbers, it’s about the lives changed and the opportunities created. In fact, thousands of jobs have been created, from hotel staff to tour guides and to restaurant owners to artisans,” said White.

More information about travel to Jamaica can be found at VisitJamaica.com.