JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD REACHES FACEBOOK MILESTONE: 100,000 FANS

Destination Continues its Strong Focus on Social Media Efforts

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – November 9, 2010 – Today the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) hit a Facebook milestone as it reached 100,000 fans of the destination’s official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/visitjamaica. Jamaica is the first Caribbean destination to reach this social media milestone.

“As the landscape of media changes, so must our efforts to market destination Jamaica,” said Jamaica’s Director of Tourism John Lynch. “This year we amplified our efforts to reach consumers online by taking ownership of the VisitJamaica Facebook page, creating three YouTube channels, starting a blog and launching two Twitter accounts. These platforms have created a very beneficial dialogue with our visitors, allowing the Jamaica Tourist Board to address the leading topics and trends of the day.”

Jamaica’s Facebook fan base comprises Jamaicans, Jamaican Diaspora, visitors, those planning a trip to Jamaica and those who simply wish to engage in dialogue with the JTB and other fans of the destination. The largest number of fans are located in Jamaica’s main tourism markets: the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

The primary driver of fan growth has been the JTB’s focus on topics and discussion trends among fans and on initiating two-way, thought-provoking conversation. The JTB regularly shares information about Jamaica’s culture, heritage, events and more. Fans have also begun to request frequent updates on “Did You Know?” features, “A Serving of Patois” posts (Patois is the native Jamaican dialect) and details on current events.

“By utilizing social media channels, the Jamaica Tourist Board has been able to directly engage our audience,” said David Shields, Deputy Director of Tourism – Marketing for the Jamaica Tourist Board. “We can provide a wealth of resources and information about the destination in real-time, while also creating programs and promotions that excite and encourage our fans to learn more about the Jamaica.”

The JTB has a strong presence on top social media platforms, and has integrated each to ensure a consistent brand identity. Fans of Jamaica can keep up with the destination’s latest news, ask questions and learn about special promotions and deals by visiting any of its social media outlets:

·        On Facebook: www.facebook.com/visitjamaica

·        On Twitter: @VisitJamaicaNow and @AskJamaica

·        On three YouTube channels: www.youtube.com/user/MyJamaicaJTB, www.youtube.com/user/VIBESJAMAICAJTB  and www.youtube.com/user/AboutJamaicaJTB 

·        On its blog: www.IslandBuzzJamaica.com

For additional details on Jamaica or to book a trip, consumers may also go to www.visitjamaica.com.

About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2010. Also in 2010, Jamaica earned the WTA’s vote for the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, Caribbean’s Leading Destination and Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination for the fourth consecutive year. Additionally, Montego Bay was named the World’s Leading Beach Destination, Ocho Rios was named the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port and Sangster International Airport was voted the Caribbean’s Leading Airport