Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A year after introducing the Tourism Information Publishing Site (TIPS), the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) yesterday unveiled its latest venture in cyberspace: the new VisitJamaica.com website.

"We are putting the JTB on a more solid footing in regards to the use of the Internet and marketing and communications," Director of Tourism Basil Smith told The Gleaner during the official launch at the Creative Production and Training Centre in Kingston.

Smith, whose brainchild the site was, said the unveiling represented the next step in a technology-savvy era for the country's marketing arm.

With Travelocity as the booking engine, the tourism director said he expects to capitalise on their impressive global reach.

Harmonises

"They are very advanced and are capable of doing business in various currencies, which harmonises with our ambition to open up to new markets," he noted.

Smith said Google is the search engine that the organisation has partnered with to optimise Jamaica's presence on the Web, "ensuring that whenever there is a search for a number of vacation spots related to Jamaica, the word Jamaica pops up".

At an estimated cost of US$280,000 (J$20.2 million) for design, construction and maintenance, VisitJamaica.com gives visitors the opportunity to explore what Jamaica offers through an engaging and immersive experience featuring the country's people, culture, art, music, cuisine, history, attractions and diverse range of accommodations.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com