The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is encouraging all Americans to apply for their passports, and for good reason too.  As a result of the new regulation enacted by the U.S. Department of State, beginning January 23, 2007 visitors who travel to the Caribbean will be required to have a valid passport in order to gain re-entry to the U.S.  Since an estimated 80% of U.S. citizens do not have a passport, combined with the fact that the U.S. market accounted for almost 70% of Jamaica's total visitors between January and July 2006, the JTB has good reason to intensify this proactive campaign. 

The JTB and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) have embarked on a partnership to educate potential travelers about these new regulations, provide them with convenient opportunities to acquire their passports and inform them about Jamaican incentives for travelers who make Jamaica their first destination of choice upon acquiring a new passport.

Passport to Rewards Program
Visitors who travel to Jamaica after January 23, 2007 with new passports with Jamaica stamped as the first port of entry in their new passports will receive special credits during their stay that equal the standard amount spent on applying for a U.S. passport.  These incentives may include hotel services such as spa treatments, golf greens fees, attraction tour fees, room upgrades, extra nights, gift shop and photo shop purchases, and more.

Participating hotels will offer the various incentives through August 2007.  Services and amenities provided by hotels will equal the U.S. dollar amount spent on each new passport: $97 per adult and $82 per child. Details for participating hotels will vary.  For more information go to www.visitjamaica.com/rewards.