The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) last week held its inaugural trade show at the Royalton Hotel in Negril, Westmoreland, which saw travel agents from across Europe familiarising themselves with local hotels and attractions and looking to secure business.

It was also an opportunity to showcase Jamaica’s tourism offerings in order to better understand what was being sold and the possibilities here for visitors.

Our Today attended the trade show and caught up with Elena Bacchini of Creo and Giulia Vitelli of Hirondelle in Negril.

WILL ITALIANS COME TO VACATION IN JAMAICA?

“We have spent two nights in Ocho Rios, two nights in Montego Bay and three nights in Negril so we are experiencing the island. So far , so good. We are having an amazing time, we love the island. We went to Dunns River, did some tubing, zip-lining at Chukka, it was fun,” said Bacchini.

So, do they see Italians coming to vacation in Jamaica?

“I think there is an opportunity to send Italians to explore Jamaica. It is not one of the more popular destinations for Italians at the moment but that can change,” noted Vitelli.

“Italians love beaches and the experiences that Jamaica has to offer. Jamaicans are lively people,” added Bacchini.

Creo Travelis founded by Fabrizio Imperator and Jury Truffelli in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic is developing a good reputation. It now has 18 operatives each with at least 10 years of experience. It specialises in tailor-made travel with its main destinations being the United States and the Caribbean. Creo has made a name for itself with honeymoons and family vacations.

“Jamaica could be a good fit for Italians who want to tour the United States and then relax at the beach and have a Caribbean experience,” said Bacchini.

Hirondelle was founded in 1986, soon becoming the most important tour operator in north-east Italy. The company’s headquarters are located in Treviso. It runs a travel agency for direct sales and is able to cover every destination, offering many different travel experiences including cruises, sea stays, author itineraries, weekends in the capital, etc.

“We offer different travel services including business travel. We have a lot of different customers,” explained Vitelli.

Italy is a very popular European destination. Has it fully recovered from the COVID pandemic?

“Italians want to travel again. We have been closed and restricted for so long that now we want to see new places. There is a desire for travel. It’s time to explore new destinations,” explained Bacchini.

Vitelli noted that during the pandemic, Italy had to rely on its internal tourism product which proved robust.

“Right now, the borders are open, things are going better and Italy is open for business.

“I get the feeling that Italians yearn for something exotic and want to explore a culture they don’t know. They are willing to travel to other countries right now.”