Greater Miami Convention brings ‘A Taste of Miami’ to Jamaican travel professionals

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) recently held its inaugural “A Taste of Miami” lunch and learn event for Jamaican travel professionals, highlighting the wide range of attractions and experiences that Miami and Miami Beach provide for visitors to the South Florida area.

“Jamaica is an important Caribbean market for us, and this event allows us to build meaningful connections with travel advisors and journalists who already value sun, culture, and vibrant experiences. By bringing a taste of Miami and Miami Beach to Jamaica, we’re highlighting everything our destination has to offer,” said Carolyn Corrigan, Director of Latin America and the Caribbean Travel Industry Sales at GMCVB.

Attended by representatives from Jamaica’s leading travel agencies and tour operators, the event provided updates on Greater Miami’s evolving tourism landscape, spotlighting cultural activities, entertainment, sports tourism, and culinary experiences available to Jamaican travelers.

Corrigan and Petra Brennan, Director of Tourism Business Enhancement, Cultural Tourism & Development, led presentations on Miami’s vibrant tourism ecosystem. They were joined by Ivonne Turcios, Caribbean Account Manager for American Airlines, and Maria Maloney, Director of Sales at AC Hotel Miami Dadeland, who detailed flight and accommodation options for Jamaican visitors.

Dave Chin Tung, CEO of Go! Jamaica Travel and multiple World Travel Award winner, expressed enthusiasm about Miami’s diverse offerings.

While Jamaican travelers often visit Miami to connect with family or shop, the event highlighted a broader appeal—from world-class entertainment featuring artists like Usher, Shakira, and Beyoncé to Michelin-rated restaurants, art and cultural sites, and family-friendly museums.

“Miami and Miami Beach are actively promoting their destination’s features—the culture, art, entertainment, and sports. Every single month, there is something happening that might surprise Jamaican travellers,” said Chin Tung. “Many Jamaicans are interested in more than just shopping, and Miami offers incredible opportunities to experience a vibrant, multi-dimensional destination with world-class events and cultural activities.”

Diana Marley, Director of Operations for Sterling Travel, said, “Carolyn and Petra made Miami come alive. It was interesting, dynamic, and exciting to hear about the numerous activities and developments taking place. Miami has evolved beyond a shopping destination into a multicultural hub appealing to all palates—food, art, music, culture, and heritage—for all ages and interests.”

Charmaine Harrison, Senior Manager – Travel Advisor at Sterling Travel, said the presentations inspired her to consider a weekend trip to Miami for a group of senior citizens, highlighting the destination’s broad appeal.

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Olive McNaughton, CEO of Jamsport Travel, specializing in sports tourism, praised Miami’s sports calendar, including the Miami Grand Prix (Formula 1), Miami Tennis Open, 2026 World Cup Football, and regular Miami Heat and InterMiami games. “Miami presents tremendous opportunities for Jamaican sports enthusiasts,” she said. “The presentations opened my eyes to Miami as a premier sports tourism destination. I look forward to partnerships with venues like AC Hotel Dadeland to create exceptional sporting event packages. What makes Miami special is how it combines sports, shopping, cultural experiences, and entertainment all in one vibrant destination.”

Charles Clatanoff, Economic and Commercial Officer of the U.S. Embassy, attended, underscoring the importance of tourism relations between Jamaica and the United States.

“A Taste of Miami” ended with guests entering to win prizes, including a weekend stay at AC Dadeland Marriott, adding excitement to an informative session.