Unique Jamaica Scores at CMEx

Unique Jamaica (UJ) was on the lips of over 100 participants at the Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism (CMEx) in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, following the energetic presentation by UJ Chair, Millicent Lynch, on Sunday, October 15.

Unique Jamaica's Millicent Lynch.

CMEx brings together Caribbean and international media practitioners annually to reflect on issues related to sustainable tourism.

four-day conference

At a four-day conference marked by state-of-the-art video and powerpoint presentations and rich discussions, Lynch captivated participants starting her luncheon presentation with the sounds of Harry Belafonte's Day O.

Bursting into the room, resplendent in Jamaica national costume, a basket of made-in-Jamaica treats on her arm, Lynch repeatedly asked, "Have you ever been to Jamaica?" as she extolled the virtues of 'The Land of Look Behind', Cockpit Country, donkey rides, jerk pit trails, simple community pursuits, all combined with the 'white sand beaches, majestic mountains, pulsating reggae music', to make Jamaica 'unique'.

Noting that "many of today's travellers want no glitter, no glitz, no fanfare - just pure, simple enjoyment. They want to enjoy the things Jamaicans enjoy everyday." Unique Jamaica, she said, "Is a network of travel/tourism companies including hotels, restaurants, attractions, tour operators, transportation companies and media outlets, which have united their efforts to deliver an authentic travel experience to the nature/culture/adventure traveller."

Unique Jamaica offers specialised travel packages, tailor-making these to suit the personal interests and preferences of the traveller.

Half and full-day tours are coupled with a variety of accommodations or the traveller may rent a car and follow the approved trail in pursuit of his or her Unique Jamaica adventure.

fall in three categories

Unique Jamaica experiences fall in three categories:

Jamaica naturally, which includes all soft adventure - hiking, bird watching, mountain biking, rainforest canopy tours, etc.;

Taste of Jamaica, which highlights the culinary flavours of the country as well as its vibrant art work;

Roots Jamaica, which gives guests an insight into Jamaica's rich cultural fabric - from dancehall parties, reggae clubs, to historic great houses and plantation tours.

With more than 60 members across the island, Unique Jamaica is committed to responsible tourism, which supports local community efforts and has a keen interest in environmental tourism to conserve Jamaica's precious natural resources.