Updates from Jamaica

I spent last evening at a dinner hosted by The Jamaican Tourist Board - you know, the folks responsible for the groovy commercials and catchy tagline "Once You Go, You know.". Yes, it was lively, colorful, and delicious... a little taste of the island in Atlanta. Just when I thought there was nothing more I could possibly learn about this island I have visited oh so many times... there is. Below are the updates and facts I found most interesting:

• Jamaica welcomes over 3 Million tourists EVERY year!
• 75% of all visitors to Jamaica are booked through Travel Agents.
• Due to improved roads, it only takes 1 HOUR to get from the airport in Montego Bay to Negril.
• Due to the same road improvements, it only takes 1 HOUR & 20 mins to get to Ocho Rios from the airport.
• However, due to current improvements in Montego Bay town, avoid arriving at rush hour or you will add 45 minutes to your trip simply trying to get out of town. This improvement will be completed in December '09.
• JetBlue is adding nonstop service to Montego Bay from Orlando in January.
• AirTran is adding nonstop service to Montego Bay from Atlanta in February.

The only fact I learned that I am NOT happy to hear is the increase in departure tax. As of today, October 1 2009, the departure tax for the island of Jamaica is now $20/per person. This is a jump from $11. You can read more about this here.