By Tashi Narula
The Jamaica Pavilion has been attracting people from across the globe to its pavilion at the World Expo 2020 Dubai. The six-month-long expo that got under way on October 1, 2021 and has seen an impressive number of visitors at the Jamaica Pavilion as the expo winds closed on March 31, 2022.
With the total number of expo visitors standing at over 20 million, the Jamaica Pavilion remains a hit. It has consistently held one percent of Expo visitors at World Expo 2020 Dubai. Welcoming 234,150 visitors since the expo began. The month of February 2022 saw a footfall of 48,087 visitors whereas, the month of March has recorded 81,053 visitors till now. Specifically, on March 19, the Jamaica Pavilion welcomed more than 10 thousand visitors.
Taking advantage of its strategic location in the mobility district, the Jamaica Pavilion made significant connections for business partnerships and investments as visitors continue to throng the World Expo 2020 Dubai.
Whether it is the music, food, heritage or sports, the Jamaica Pavilion at World Expo 2020 exemplifies the beauty of this island perfectly. All the seven zones of The Pavilion have provided visitors with an immersive experience of the sights, sounds, and tastes of the beautiful Caribbean Island.
The Pavilion has also been named as one of the ‘coolest’ pavilions at the global event, replicating the ethos of the island and the creativity to present her attributes as a logistics hub, linking the Americas to the rest of the world.
“When people step into the Pavilion they go ‘ah, this is it. We are in the Caribbean’, said Essie Gardner, Commissioner General of Section, Jamaica Pavilion, at World Expo 2020 Dubai. ‘From the colours to the fact that they get to learn about our history, our sporting greats, our music and tastings from time to time, the Pavilion has remained a big hit.’
During the course of the World Expo 2020, the Jamaica Pavilion welcomed dignitaries, VIPs, and amazing people from across the globe, touring and exploring while discovering the vibrancy of Jamaica. All eyes were on the Jamaica Pavilion, in the week of February 18, as it was the week of Jamaica National Day celebrations at the World Expo 2020 Dubai. The activities featured a packed programme of festivities paying tribute to the nation’s history, culture, cuisine and business. Visitors got immersed enjoyed every bit of it.
Among the dignitaries who visited were HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Sultan Al Nahayan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of UAE, HH Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and the Managing Director for World Expo 2020 Dubai, Her Highness Sheikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Mr Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman & CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).
The island’s track and field legend, Usain Bolt was there and celebrated the SDG Week at the World Expo 2020 Dubai.
As the global borders re-open and with the reduced Covid-19 entry protocols, Jamaica looks forward to welcoming people from across the globe to their vibrant island as the expo helped the island build visibility and aspirations of people to visit.
About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.
In 2021, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination,’ ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Wedding Destination’ for the second consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named it the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 14th consecutive year; and the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination’ for the 16th consecutive year; as well as the ‘Caribbean’s Best Nature Destination’ and the ‘Caribbean’s Best Adventure Tourism Destination.’ In addition, Jamaica was awarded four gold 2021 Travvy Awards, including ‘Best Destination, Caribbean/Bahamas,’ ‘Best Culinary Destination –Caribbean,’ Best Travel Agent Academy Program,’; as well as a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 10th time. In 2020, the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) named Jamaica the 2020 ‘Destination of the Year for Sustainable Tourism’. In 2019, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #1 Caribbean Destination and #14 Best Destination in the World. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.
