ACTA’s Immersive Destination Experience in Jamaica Elevates Advisors

ACTA partnered with the Jamaica Tourist Board, Sandals Resorts and Air Canada to host an ‘Immersive Destination Experience’ on the island from August 23 – 27. Thirty ACTA member travel advisors visiting the region.

The advocacy organization’s Immersive Destination Experiences are aimed at revolutionizing the travel industry’s approach to experiential learning and social media marketing. By collaborating with destination partners and suppliers, ACTA’s goal is to elevate and enrich the traditional fam experience.

“Jamaica is proud to host an ACTA immersive destination experience,” said Dan Hamilton, Sales Manager, JTB. “We want to ensure travel advisors are empowered with firsthand destination knowledge and unique experiences to provide them the resources, information and contacts they need to confidently advise their clients.” 

Hamilton added: “The professional travel advisor remains the primary conduit of business to Jamaica and so we stand by our travel advisors and support them in any way we can. Partnering with ACTA on this project underscores the value we place on collaboration with partners who support our professional travel advisors.” 

Held on the north coast at Ocho Rios, the event served as a platform offering ACTA member advisors an in-depth understanding of the appeal of the region. The group stayed at Sandals Dunns River– with day trips to immerse themselves in the history and culture of authentic Jamaica.

 C.J. Smith, Director of Sales, Unique Vacations Canada Inc., stated: “Simply put, travel advisors are the lifeblood of Sandals Resorts and have been for over 40 years. The chance to partner with ACTA and showcase the Sandals product, especially in our backyard of Jamaica, has been invaluable.  

 As well as familiarizing themselves with Sandals, each day advisors were introduced to some of the lesser-known gems in the region including the Seville great house, Laughing Water Falls and the famous GoldenEye resort. Hosted educational sessions were offered by Jamaica Tourist Board, Sandals Resorts, Air Canada and ACTA. 

ACTA said one of the unique highlights of the event was the integration of social media, with daily challenges aimed at leveraging Jamaica and Sandals Resorts as a picturesque backdrop for digital storytelling.

 By intertwining destination education with social media challenges, ACTA says it is pioneering a new standard in experiential travel advisor training – empowering them to craft compelling narratives that resonate with today’s travellers.

 Yazdan Bakhtiarty, Regional Sales for Air Canada had the following comment: “Air Canada is incredibly proud of our long-standing relationship with ACTA.  As the airline sponsor of this experience, it is our pleasure to offer the lift to the immersive destination experiences, connecting with the advisor community while they experience our service and receive the latest updates. We are appreciative of the support of our travel advisor partners and the expertise they provide to our mutual customers.”

Dave Berry, an advisor who took part in the Jamaica trip commented: “This FAM has been such a valuable experience because it incorporated the history and culture of Jamaica. So much more than just touring rooms. It gives you the confidence to sell the destination, not just a resort.”