If you haven't been to Jamaica lately, maybe it's time to take another look since the landscape is changing on the island even as you read this. There are major improvements to infrastructure going on right now that are making it easier to get into and around Jamaica. In addition, a number of hotel companies have made significant investments in existing properties as well as new properties.

For instance, a major road connecting Montego Bay to Negril has been completed, cutting travel time from the airport to the resorts in Negril by half. This same road also extends from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and beyond to Port Antonio (although there are sections still under construction). In both cases, this will not only cut down on travel time, but will also offer panoramic views for your clients as they travel to their resorts.

In addition, Montego Bay has become one of the best airports for getting you through immigration and customs and on your way to a vacation. It took less than 25 minutes from the time we walked off the plane until we were in a taxi heading to our resort. That also included picking up our bags in baggage claim. I can't say I had the same experience on my return to Philadelphia International Airport.

While I was in Jamaica, I had the opportunity to speak with a number of government officials, including Basil Smith, director of tourism. In fact, you can see my interview with him later this month on ModernAgent TV, where he discusses the investment and growth first hand. Basil certainly understands the value your clients will see in a smooth entry into Jamaica and how important that first impression is.

It's all related to the "hassle factor," something that is creating a big challenge for anyone in travel. Most of the hassle is tied to transportation and the new security requirements, which that have created long lines at airports and even longer waits for passports.

More and more clients are placing a very big premium on time, and anything that delays the start of the vacation is a huge impediment to driving travel demand. It's good to see a destination like Jamaica, which recognizes this key point, take steps to enhance the travel experience.