Jamaica Event Planning

Key Highlights

Hotels	188
Total Sleeping Rooms	23,454
Largest Exhibit Space	48,600 Sq. Mtr.
Average Hotel Room Rate	JMD J$15,266
Average Daily Meal Cost	JMD J$7,245
Average Weekly Car Rental	JMD J$26,565

Jamaica Meeting Planning Overview

Surrounded by tranquil, azure waters and blessed with an average year-round temperature of 27°C, it's no wonder that Jamaica welcomes more than 1.7 million visitors each year. Jamaica's two major airports, Donald Sangster International and Norman Manley International, provide a gateway from most major cities in the United States. Once in Jamaica, visitors will find the country's welcoming hospitality at every turn. From the taxi drivers who are more than happy to spout facts about their beloved homeland to market vendors extending their hands with the official greeting, "Welcome Home," Jamaica thrives on its unsurpassed quality of service. The country even has a transportation system specifically for visitors called JUTA, a fleet of luxury coaches, buses, and air conditioned cars that provide visitors with comfortable transportation and memorable personalized service.

With several new additions on the horizon, Jamaica is blossoming as a premiere meetings destination. The Montego Bay Convention opened in 2011; it is located in the Rose Hall area of Mo’ Bay and offers 140,000 square feet of space for meetings, exhibitions and events.

Jamaica does not disappoint in its current meeting venues. Located in Jamaica's capital of Kingston, the Jamaica Conference Centre demonstrates the elegance and beauty of Jamaican architecture. The center was first established in 1983 to accommodate the preparatory meetings of the International Seabed Authority, an arm of the United Nations. The facility features five conference rooms, three caucus rooms, a 2,400-square-foot exhibit hall, private dining room and several lounges. The biggest of the five conference rooms can accommodate groups as large as 1,050 people.

For an unparalleled island experience, Jamaica's many unique venues and lavish resorts offer meeting planners an air of the exotic that is unmatched by any continental city. Groups can enjoy the serene spaces of the Rose Hall Resort and Country Club. Tucked between the Jamaican mountains and the waters of the Caribbean, this former 18th century sugar plantation can accommodate groups of up to 800 people indoors or many more guests outdoors at one of several scenic settings, such as the lovely 16,000-square-foot Aqueduct. The National Gallery of Jamaica offers smaller groups a backdrop of vivid hues, stunning sculptures and brilliant masterworks, while the Half Moon Resort and Country Club is an elegant, colonial-style resort offering more than 27,000 square feet of indoor space including the striking 12,000-square-foot Cornwall Ballroom. Additionally, groups of up to 120 people can enjoy cool island breezes and views of the sea from all three of the award-winning Round Hill Resort's stylish meeting spaces.

Jamaica's welcoming embrace coupled with its festive spirit make it a powerhouse for events year round. Drawing worldwide attention, Jamaica is best known for the passionate sounds of reggae made famous by the legendary performer Bob Marley. The musical genres of dancehall, rock steady, ska and mento also originated on the island. Jamaica's musical roots are integral to several of the island's lively annual events including the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Heineken Startime, the Rebel Salute Music Festival, International Reggae Day and the American Jazz and Blues Festival. Other popular events include the National Festival of the Arts, the Port Antonio International Fishing Tournament, the Jamaican Coffee Festival, Heritage Fest and Carnival.

Several corporations are headquartered in Jamaica including Sandals Resort International, Air Jamaica, GraceKennedy, Ltd., Digicel and Red Stripe. In addition, several colleges and universities call Jamaica home including The University of the West Indies-Mona Campus, the University of Technology-Jamaica, the Northern Caribbean University, and the University College of the Caribbean and the International University of the Caribbean.

About Jamaica / Additional Info

Swaying palms, sparkling sands and crystalline waters brimming with marine life mark the island of Jamaica. The Caribbean's 3rd largest island, Jamaica offers 4,442 square miles of diverse tropical terrain. From its soaring Blue Mountain Peak, which rises 7,402 feet above sea level, to the valleys, plains and rivers that wind their way from the central mountain region to the coast, Jamaica's lush landscape is ripe with natural resources.

Alive with vibrant flora and fauna, Jamaica is home to the largest rainforest in the Caribbean and 3,800 types of flowering plants, including over 200 native species of wild orchids. Trees such as the mahogany, blue mahoe, satinwood, cottonwood and Spanish elm flourish in the island's fertile soil. More than 250 species of birds can be spotted floating across Jamaica's sunny skies.

Over 2.6 million people enjoy island life amidst Jamaica's picturesque backdrop. A mosaic of converging cultures, Jamaica is a melting pot of peoples from across the globe. With a diversity that harkens back to the island's origins, Jamaica's complex history includes settlers from all over the world. Jamaica's first inhabitants were a peaceful seafaring people known as the Tainos, which gave the island the name Xaymaca meaning "land of wood and water." Jamaica's abundant natural resources made it a wealthy British colony of large plantations producing 22 percent of the world's sugar. The slave trade and indentured servitude brought peoples from Africa, Asia and the Middle East to labor on the plantations of Jamaica, resulting in the eclectic blend of cultures found on the island today.

An independent nation since 1962, Jamaica's fabric is woven from a medley of traditions, foods, music, dance, legends and faiths. The nation's motto, "Out of many, one people," aptly articulates the island's multicultural landscape. From the pulsing beat of Reggae rhythms reverberating through the air to the sweet scents and flavors of the island's diverse cuisine, Jamaica has earned the nickname of "the biggest little island in the world."

Perhaps nowhere else is Jamaica's melting pot status more noticeable than in the musical dialect heard on the street. Although the official language of Jamaica is English, a smattering of Patois punctuates casual conversations. A combination of English, Spanish, Portuguese, African and local slang, Jamaican Patois is a reflection of the island's diverse history. Words such as irie (eye-ree), meaning "all's well," and boonoonunus, meaning "beautiful," are, not surprisingly, often heard punctuating the conversations of locals.

Made up of several distinctive regions including the capital city of Kingston, the popular Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio and South Coast, Jamaica offers something for everyone. Stroll the white sands of Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay or Negril's Seven Mile Beach stretching along the west coast. Or, spend a day under the sun at Treasure Beach, known for its black sands, crashing waves and dramatic views. Indulge in the tropical playground of outdoor activities, from scaling Dunn's River Falls to exploring Green Grotto Caves to swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove. Tour provider Chukka Caribbean Adventures also offers numerous outdoor excursions, including horseback riding, tubing and kayaking.

Jamaica Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)
Convention Center(s):

Hotel at Convention Center? No

Airport(s):

Destination Type(s):

Beach Destination
Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants

Special Event Venues
22
Population
2,847,232
Restaurants
74
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
15.00%
Currency
Jamaican Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-15%
Electricity
110V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Jamaica

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Miami, FL	N/A	n/a	1 hr 45 min	JMD J$20,700+
New York, NY	N/A	n/a	3 hr 45 min	JMD J$37,950+

Jamaica Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°C)	30	29	30	30	31	32	32	32	31	31	30	30
Avg. Low (°C)	23	23	23	24	25	26	26	26	26	25	25	23
Rec. High (°C)	32	32	33	33	34	35	36	36	35	36	35	35
Rec. Low (°C)	18	18	18	18	20	21	21	22	20	21	22	17
Rainfall (cm)	3.0	2.0	2.0	3.0	10.0	9.0	4.0	10.0	12.0	17.0	9.0	4.0

With sunny skies and year-round temperatures averaging 80.6°F, Jamaica enjoys a tropical climate typical of the Caribbean islands. Northeasterly trade winds provide a refreshing respite from high humidity levels in the afternoons, while evening temperatures in Jamaica cool down to the 70s. Perfect for swimming and water sports, ocean temperatures average a delightful 68°F throughout the year.

The rainy season in Jamaica is characterized by sudden and brief showers that clear as quickly as they arrive. The island's rainy season lasts May to June and September to October with an average precipitation of 40 to 44 inches per year. Official hurricane season in Jamaica occurs June to November, however most activity typically occurs in or around September.

Although Jamaica enjoys beautiful weather year-round, the absolute best time to visit is during the winter. With sunshine and temperatures in the 80s, Jamaica provides a warm, inviting escape from cooler climates.

Meeting Planning in Jamaica

Montego Bay Convention Center

Scheduled to make its debut in 2009, the highly anticipated Montego Bay Convention Center promises to become one of the Caribbean's most sophisticated and sought-after convention facilities. The $51.67 million convention center will be located on 23 acres within Montego Bay's picture-perfect Rose Hall region and will feature approximately 215,768 square feet of flexible meeting space. Slated to propel Jamaica's status as a premiere convention and meetings destination to new heights, the new state-of-the-art facility will cater to the needs and demands of a wide range of functions, from large-scale conventions to tradeshows, exhibitions and business meetings.

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The Jamaica Conference Centre

Located in the heart of Jamaica's capital city of Kingston just minutes from the Norman Manley International Airport, the Jamaica Conference Centre is an elegant, waterfront facility boasting stunning Jamaican architecture, a convenient location and superior service and functionality. Built in 1983 to meet United Nations specifications, the Centre Complex is made up of two buildings and a multi-story parking garage, connected to each other by a pedestrian bridge.

The centre features five conference rooms, three caucus rooms offering 1,600 square feet of space, a 2,400-square-foot exhibit hall, a business center, a dining room and several lounges. The largest conference room is 12,600 square feet and is capable of accommodating 1,050 people. Each of the five conference rooms is equipped with translation facilities for several languages. Conference rooms 1 and 2 open to the 4,400-square-foot Harbor Lounge, which boasts magnificent views of the Kingston Harbor. The Delegates' Dining Room provides private dining for up to 132 people.

The centre's amenities include an information center, technical support, meeting planning services, catering, commercial banking service, 24-hour security and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. Three major hotels and several smaller hotels are within 10 minutes of the Jamaica Conference Centre.

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Jamaica Meeting Venue Spotlight

Mona Visitors' Lodge & Conference Centre

2 Garden Lane
Kingston
Total Meeting Space - 557 Sq. Mtr.

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Jamaica Airport Information

The two largest international airports serving Jamaica. Donald Sangster International Airport sits just three miles east of Montego Bay, and Norman Manley International Airport is located 20 minutes outside of Kingston.

Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ)

Approximate taxi fare: 2161 JMD

The larger and busier of Jamaica's two airports, Sangster International caters to the island's tourism-rich northwest coast by offering easy access to the resorts of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril. The airport accommodates over three million passengers per year, and offers approximately 4,000 flights a month to 82 destinations throughout Europe and the Americas.

Home to the country's largest shopping mall, Sangster International Airport offers travelers a convenient place to pick up last minute island treasures before heading home. From Jamaican crafts and coffee to duty free liquors, wines and perfumes, Sangster offers a plethora of shopping choices. In addition to the many specialty stores, the airport features several dining options including the Groovy Grouper, Jimmy Buffet's: Air Margaritaville and the Jamaican Bobsled restaurant. Other amenities include a business center, currency exchange, postal services, hotel hospitality lounges and daily and hourly parking.

Airline carriers serving Donald Sangster International Airport

Air Canada
Air Europe
Air Jamaica
Air Plus Comet
Air Transat
American Airlines
Belair
Britannia
Cayman Airways
Champion Air
Condor Airlines

Continental
First Choice
JetAirFly
Lauda Air
My Travell
Martinair
Miami Air
Northwest
Planet Airways
Ryan International
Spirit Airlines

Skyservice
Sun Country
Transmeridian
TUI-Netherlands
United Airlines
US Airways
USA 3000
Virgin Atlantic
West Jet

Norman Manley International Airport (KIN)

Approximate taxi fare: 2420 JMD

Norman Manley International Airport serves over 1.7 million passengers a year, and operates 130 international departures across 11 different airlines serving 40 destinations per week. The primary gateway to the country's capital of Kingston, Manley International services both business and leisure travelers with an average of 4,755 passengers per day.

Amenities at Manley International include wireless Internet access in the Departure Lounge, ATM machines, currency exchange, retail shops and several dining options.

Airline carriers serving Norman Manley International Airport

Air Canada
Air Jamaica
Air Sunshine
American Airlines

British Airways
Caribbean Airlines
Cayman Airways
COPA

Delta
Skyservice
Spirit Airlines

Jamaica Public Transportation

Jamaica Union of Travelers Association (JUTA)

The easiest and most informative way for visitors to get around the island is via JUTA. JUTA, or the Jamaican Union of Travelers Association, provides taxi, tour and charter services for visitors to Jamaica. JUTA operates on-call service out of a number of hotels and resorts, and vehicles can also be flagged down on the street or summoned by phone. Fares average $20 for every 10 miles.

Six chapters of JUTA operate in different sections of the island: Falmouth, Kingston, Lucea, Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. JUTA operates over 5,000 vehicles, ranging from automobiles to 45-seat coaches. Passengers on JUTA trips are treated with an insider's view of the island's history and culture by professional drivers who are as enthusiastic and hospitable as they are knowledgeable. Visitors can arrange for guided tours of the island with stops at the most popular destinations, including Dunn's River Falls, Dolphin Cove and Appleton Estate. Fares for an all-day tour range from $100 to $180 for up to four people. Group rates are available.

Jamaica Co-operative Automobile & Limousine (JCAL)

Much like the larger JUTA, Jamaica Co-operative Automobile & Limousine (JCAL) provides unique insight into the island and its attractions. JCAL Tours operate on-call taxi service out of a number of hotels and resorts in Montego Bay, Negril and Runaway Bay, as well as Sangster International Airport. Visitors can arrange for a private tour of the island's breathtaking sites including Montego Bay, Rose Hall, Negril and Ocho Rios. Tours of Montego Bay and Rose Hall start at $30 per hour for up to four passengers. Tours of Negril and Ocho Rios, including Dunn's River Falls, are $150 for up to four people. Group rates are available.

Hotel Shuttles

A number of hotels and resorts offer shuttle service to and from Sangster International Airport. Guests of Sandals, SuperClubs, Half Moon Rose Hall, Couples Resorts, Holiday Inn, Sans Souci Resort and Spa and the Ritz Carlton can arrange for pick up at the Ground Transportation Arrivals Hall.

Rental Cars

Travelers to Sangster International Airport can find counters for Jamaica Car Rental, Hertz Car Rental, Island Car Rentals, Budget International Rentals, Sunbird Car Rentals, Avis Car Rentals and Champagne Car Rental located past Customs in the ground transportation arrivals hall. A number of car rental companies are located in Manley International Airport's Ground Transportation Hall, including Bargain Rent-A-Car (Avis), Budget Rent-A-Car, Hertz Car Rental, Island Car Rentals, Kosmo Car Rentals and Praise Car Rental.

Taxis

Taxi service from Sangster International Airport can be arranged at the Authorized Airport Taxi desk, just outside of the Customs exit. Average fare from Sangster International to Montego Bay is $25. The taxi desk at Norman Manley International is located outside of the Customs Hall.