Top Agents Gather in Jamaica for One Love Affair Gala

Sixty professional travel consultants gathered at Secrets St. James, Montego Bay, Jamaica, to be recognized by the Jamaica Tourist Board as the best of the best at their annual "One Love Affair" gala. The event, now in its 12th year, is designed to spoil agents (and their plus ones) by treating them to a weekend of world-class dining, sunshine, and entertainment, celebrating their success and sales contribution to the destination.

Canadian Director Angela Bennett was beaming with gratitude and joy as she welcomed the top 10 Canadian winners individually on stage during the awards portion of the evening. While Canada remained locked down in January and February of 2022, these ten agents were able to achieve sales volumes which elevated them into the elite group of sixty agents from across North America.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett joined the cermonies virtually and personally congratulated the top producing agents for their consistent support.

One of the Canadian winners, Vanessa Martinez, said "It is really nice to be recognized for our achievements in such a great way, especially in the destination we hold so dear to us." Seventy percent of Martinez' annual sales are into Jamaica. " I'm looking forward to 2023, things are looking really good at this point. I need to make sure I get back here again."

Robyn Arnold of Sell off Vacations shared similar views. "It has been a very tough couple of years, particularly being a home based agent. Jamaica is a destination I can sell with total confidence and know my client will not be disappointed.

The group was provided with some raw Jamaican talent, when legendary Dance Hall Reggae artist Bennie Man took to the stage and performed several of his award-winning hits. The entire audience was standing as Philip Rose took to the stage and brought on the celebrated performer.

In 2022 this elite group of top performing agents contributed a remarkable 174,000 room nights into the destination, an accomplishment which North American Director Donnie Dawson described as "outstanding".

Bennett was quick to point out there are an additional 26,000 seats added to winter 22/23 seat capacity from Canada bringing the total to 285,000. She also expressed her appreciation as Halifax has come back on-line for the island, and she is hopeful Hamilton may do the same.