Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Some of the major players in the tourism industry, capable of helping Jamaica weather the global economic crisis in 2009, rubbed shoulders last Wednesday night at the reopening of the island's newest pearl, Riu Palace Tropical Bay in Negril, which, after a US$25-million upgrading exercise, looks fabulous!

Thomas Cook, Sunquest, Hotelplan, MLT Vacations, Travel Impression, Air Jamaica Vacations, US Airways and Travelocity, among others, experienced the hospitality industry's best offerings at what Riu Resorts tagged, 'Riu Jamaica Educational Experience', three nights and four days of bliss.

Sinful dessert

Sea bass, lobster, tenderloin and the most sinful dessert at a gala dinner were beautifully combined with a stellar performance by cabaret's darling, Karen Smith and Friends.

As if this was not enough to win over the crème de la crème of the industry, Riu's sales director, Angella Bennett, planned a series of soft adventures in Chukka country, sunset cruise on the Caribbean Sea, dancing to the drumming of Children of the Drums, singing to tunes of folklorists, Hertford Cultural Group, and jamming to the breakof dawn.

FROM LEFT:

(1) From left: Lori and Mark Photiades of MLT Vacations converse with Heidi Lord of Sunquest Canada at the reopening reception of Riu Palace Tropical Bay hotel last Wednesday night.
(2) From left: Lila Pena of Riu Resorts, Ivan Castiglioni, Italian Alpitour and Roberto Bentoglio of Hotelplan exchange cheers.
(3) Director of sales of Riu Resorts, Angella Bennett (left), in a party mood as she greeted long-standing allies, Gineen Gallo of Travel Impression and Air Jamaica Vacation's Mark deMercardo, at the reopening of Riu Palace Tropical Bay hotel.