Best of Jamaica

Although Tropical Storm Tomas did not leave a trail of destruction in Jamaica like Nicole, the widely publicized storm created a marketing nightmare for Breezes Rio Bueno’s signature Best of Jamaica festival in Trelawny.

“We had several international and local cancellations days leading up to the start of the event and despite us reassuring them that the impact for this side would not be significant, persons were still hesitant, and as such they cancelled” director of sales for Jamaica and the Caribbean at Superclubs Resorts Burchell Henry revealed.

The organizers of the premier food and cultural festival held from November 2-7 had to get creative in ensuring the at least some of the planned festivities were still took place.

“Thirty percent of our rooms that were booked and paid for received cancellation due to Tropical Storm Tomas which is huge chunk of our occupancy as it represents up to 90 rooms” Henry revealed.

He further added days such as Thursday and Friday during the passage of the tropical storm, severely impacted on the scheduled activities as many participants out of Kingston reported cancellation as a result of the inclement weather.

Now in its 8^th year, “the show had to go on!” Henry charged. “Best of Jamaica is the best event of its type in Jamaica.  There’s no other hotel that has not only done this type of event, but has done it for the length of time that we have been doing it for” he affirmed.

The recently rebranded Superclubs Resort experienced a significant decline in occupancy levels that were not normal during the staging of the resort’s calendar event.

With a pool of dedicated staff who worked around the clock, the event was saved when they hosted the Best of Jamaica Grand Market Extravaganza. The marriage of Jamaican cuisines along with reggae and dancehall music allowed both local and international guest to experience an authentic Jamaica Coronation-like setting that was second to none.

Henry used the opportunity to encourage more locals to participate in the celebration of Jamaica’s heritage and learn about the various aspects our culture that is now Brand Jamaica.

“We want our Jamaicans to embrace the concept of Best of Jamaica as we celebrate our food and culture and all the other countries who have contributed to our rich heritage”, he noted.

Among the list of sponsors of Best of Jamaica includes telecommunications company Claro, Jamaica Public Service Company, Best Dressed Chicken, Pepsi, Irie Isle and Jablum.