Canadian travel agents have united to support Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Sunwing Vacations, in collaboration with GlobalMedic, has facilitated a $210,000 (US$210,000) donation to assist communities in Jamaica. This initiative, which ran from 1 to 14 December, saw Sunwing donate $100 (US$100) for every Jamaica holiday booked, highlighting the critical role tourism plays in economic recovery.
Angella Bennett, Regional Director for Canada at the Jamaica Tourist Board, expressed gratitude for the continued confidence in Jamaica's resilience, stating, "This underscores how essential continued visitation is to restore livelihoods and sustain the destination's recovery."
The initiative saw a significant increase in bookings to Jamaica, demonstrating the travel agents' commitment to both their clients and the affected communities. Danya Greenless, Manager Partner Development Product at Sunwing, noted, "Seeing so many bookings translate directly into aid for families in Jamaica is inspiring."
In addition to financial support, WestJet Group employees, including those from Sunwing Vacations, partnered with GlobalMedic to pack over 1,630 Emergency Food Kits and Family Kits. These were distributed to families in hurricane-affected regions, providing essential supplies during the recovery period.
Rahul Singh, founder of GlobalMedic, highlighted the importance of such partnerships, stating, "These donations translate directly into lifesaving aid for families in Jamaica."
This collaborative effort underscores the power of community-driven action within the travel industry, demonstrating how travel can be a force for good in times of crisis.
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