THE Ministry of Tourism, through its Tourism Linkages Network (TLN), is relaunching its 'Top Events campaign', which is designed to increase attendance by visitors to events and activities islandwide.
Event promoters are invited to register online to promote their events for free.
Top Events Jamaica's renewed focus is to capture and promote the upcoming event-filled Christmas season, targeting both visitors and Jamaicans to explore and enjoy local events. It also creates a lucrative opportunity for local event organisers as it provides an avenue for wide-ranging promotion.
The digital platforms include its social media platforms and an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly website showcasing thousands of events held in Jamaica to increase awareness and attendance. These events encompass many categories, including parties, shopping, lifestyle, food, and more.
"When we launched Top Events in 2019, we had a clear vision of what it would bring to Jamaica. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, our borders closed, and the entertainment industry was put on hold. As Jamaica continues to recover and the entertainment scene comes back to life, this is the opportune time to bring Top Events back," said Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett.
"While Jamaica is known for its sea, sun, and sand, there is so much more that we have to offer our visitors. It is, therefore, very critical for us to highlight our other cultural assets, such as our vibrant entertainment industry, which cannot be replicated anywhere in the world. Top Events will therefore be a useful tool to help to further promote Jamaica as a full-package travel destination," added Bartlett. According to TLN director Carolyn McDonald-Riley, the platform aims to be inclusive and will engage a wide range of tourism stakeholders and entertainment practitioners.
"The Tourism Linkages Network is excited to see this campaign back on track to help our event organisers promote their events on these digital platforms. We are committed to making positive contributions to Jamaica's entertainment industry and promoting all that Jamaica has to offer through this new lens.
"Top Events Jamaica engages the participation of all tourism stakeholders, no matter their size or service. Whether you are an event promoter, hotelier, restaurant, Airbnb host, tour operator, or local attraction, Top Events benefits everyone," said McDonald-Riley.
To register a "Top Event", interested event promoters must complete the application form available at www.topeventsinjamaica.com and submit their event flyers and promotional materials. The event will be promoted for free across the Top Events website and social media channels and connected directly to various tourism stakeholders.
Top Events Jamaica is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism Jamaica under the Tourism Enhancement Fund and its division, the TLN. The primary drivers are the website and social media platforms, which are designed to share with the world the many unique offerings of our beautiful island, from gastronomy to health and wellness, entertainment, sports, shopping, and conferences.
"Top Events will be a critical element that brings authentic Jamaican entertainment products under one roof through the use of technology. Jamaica is well on its way to achieving the ministry's projected 3.2 million visitors in 2022, and we want to see these visitors immersed in all aspects of the Jamaican entertainment scene," explained Kamal Bankay, chairman of the tourism ministry's sports and entertainment network.