Jamaica Open For Business After Passing of Hurricane Emily

Jamaica Open For Business After Passing of Hurricane Emily

Preparations for Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest Continue

KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Jamaica is open for business now that Hurricane Emily has passed to the south of the island and the Hurricane Warning has been officially lifted island-wide. Airports in both Kingston and Montego Bay are open and all tourism regions have reported little or no damage, as Jamaica is now receiving guests for the 13th Annual Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest. Travel bookings to Jamaica are strong for the world's biggest reggae festival, taking place at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay now through July 23.

Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest is one of Jamaica's biggest annual music events, and features spectacular performances of the indigenous Jamaican music form, reggae. This year's stellar line-up includes artistes Akon, Fabolous, Damian Marley with special appearance by Stephen Marley, Toots & the Maytals, Elephant Man, Morgan Heritage, Luciano, Ini Kamoze, Capleton, and more.

"Jamaica is thankful once again for being spared the brunt of Hurricane Emily and is pleased to return to business as usual," stated Jamaica's Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook. "We are excited to welcome visitors, especially those coming from far and wide to participate in Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, an integral event on Jamaica's cultural calendar."

First staged in August 1993, Reggae Sumfest showcases the rich and varied musical talents of Jamaica. The festival immediately became a hit with both locals and visitors, and quickly grew into the world's premier reggae music event. The festival name was changed in 2001 to "Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest" when two major reggae promoters, Summerfest Productions and Red Stripe, forged a partnership. Attractively priced land-only packages are offered by numerous hotels; rates are available at http://www.reggaesumfest.com/ .

As always, travelers are urged to contact their travel agent or airline to reconfirm their travel plans.

About the Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica's national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Board is responsible for the worldwide tourism marketing and promotion for the island country of Jamaica. The JTB's mandate has been to promote Jamaica as a preferred travel destination, identify new and emerging consumer groups, cultivate new relationships with travel partners and disseminate timely and useful marketing information to its offices and travel partners worldwide. JTB offices are located in Jamaica, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo.

Details of upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica are posted on the Jamaica Tourist Board's Web site at http://www.visitjamaica.com/ . JTB can be reached toll-free at 1-800-233-4JTB (1-800-233-4582).

Contact: Helen Ma / Alicia Rainbolt 1-877-JTB-NEWS jtbnews@ruderfinn.com

Source: Jamaica Tourist Board

CONTACT: Helen Ma or Alicia Rainbolt, 1-877-JTB-NEWS, jtbnews@ruderfinn.com, both for Jamaica Tourist Board

Web site: http://www.reggaesumfest.com/ http://www.visitjamaica.com/

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