Travel advisors knew it wasn’t a matter of if ALG Vacations would step up to help Jamaica, but a matter of when. And from January 31 to February 4, the company led a Come Back to Give Back Jamaica Voluntourism FAM with nearly 100 travel advisors in attendance. When the trip was first announced, more than 1300 advisors applied to participate.
“We created this trip with a very simple mission: support, serve and share,” said Jacki Marks, global head of trade brands at ALG Vacations. “So first, support Jamaica by showing up, serve local communities through giveback and voluntourism, and share real, firsthand stories that help advisors sell this destination with confidence.”
The group arrived on the island with more than 300 suitcases filled with 18,000+ pounds of donations. Items ranged from school supplies, hygiene products and insect repellent to pet supplies, blankets and much more. Throughout the week, these items were donated to local families, schools and shelters.
“Fully understanding the challenges and needs of the Jamaican people is something that can only be done by getting your feet on the island, seeing the devastation and speaking with the people,” said Carri Kersten of Carri Kersten Travel Design, LLC. “Now is our time to step up and support them as a way of showing gratitude for everything they do to warmly welcome our clients every year.”
In addition to bringing supplies, the group of advisors raised $13,000, which ALG Vacations matched to bring the total to $26,000. The additional funds were used to purchase items that were needed at the various places visited, such as water tanks, refrigerators and playground equipment.
This trip went far beyond raising money and bringing donations, though. Throughout the week, travel advisors, ALGV representatives and media partners volunteered their time at several places in need around the island. The outings consisted of painting at various schools, working with Meals on Wheels to deliver nutritious meals, serving food at a soup kitchen, interacting with dogs and cats at an animal haven, handing out donations and more. The group would divide and conquer during the days and regroup to share experiences in the evenings.
“Tourism is a vital part of Jamaica’s economy,” said Chealsey Steffen, travel advisor at Memories Tour & Travel. “By visiting now, travel advisors actively support the country’s recovery and contribute to helping local communities, businesses and families rebuild and thrive. Our presence sends a powerful message of confidence, partnership and commitment to Jamaica’s tourism future—helping the destination come back stronger than ever.”
Selling Jamaica With Confidence
While Hurricane Melissa did a lot of damage to Jamaica, it didn’t wash away the exceptional warmth and beauty the island radiates. What people have come to know and expect from the destination still exists.
“All the things that make people fall in love with Jamaica in the first place have not been impacted remotely. The hotels are open. The attractions are open. There are visitors buzzing around and enjoying themselves,” said Philip Rose, deputy director of tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board. “Over 70% of our tourism product is up and running already.”
Hearing about updates and witnessing them firsthand are two different things, and ALG Vacations wanted to ensure these travel advisors were able to not only give back but also visit several tourist places around the island in order to report back to their clients.
“Visiting Jamaica at this moment is critically important for travel advisors,” Steffen said. “Our role is to be fully informed, firsthand experts who can confidently answer client questions and address concerns as travelers return. By being on the ground, we are able to experience the destination for ourselves, assess readiness and gain an authentic understanding of what guests can expect.”
In addition to volunteering, the group visited 15 hotels and popular attraction areas throughout Negril, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The resort brands visited included RIU Hotels & Resorts, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, Ocean Signature Resorts and Couples Resorts Jamaica. The group was also able to see Rick’s Cafe and Dunn’s River Falls, two of Jamaica’s most popular attractions. And all of this was made possible with comfortable transportation throughout the week from Amstar.
“There’s nothing more important than your trust with your client, and we want your client to feel that when they come here, they’re going to get the experience that you are delivering and promising them,” Marks said.
Seeing the pools up and running, walking along the beachfronts, eating in the restaurants and asking questions along the way allowed advisors to acquire the knowledge they needed to bring back to their clients.
Jamaica’s tourism areas are 70% open, and this number is expected to increase throughout the rest of the year. The advisors on ALGV’s giveback FAM are now armed with firsthand experiences to share with their clients and other travel advisors. The message is clear: Jamaica is open and ready for you and your clients to visit.
“I am more ready than ever to send my clients to Jamaica,” Steffen said. “It's all about setting expectations, and after visiting I know that I can provide a wonderful vacation for travelers, that will also benefit the lovely people of the island.”
To stay up to date with Jamaica’s recovery and view additional photos and videos, visit algvacations.com/onelovejamaica.
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