Dream job promoting the land of her birth in adopted country
November 30, 2017
Uprooted from Jamaica and brought to Canada at age five, Racquel Queensborough was yearning for the day to work in some capacity for her birth country.
It came exactly a decade ago when she was appointed the marketing representative for the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) office in Canada.
She has since being elevated to business development manager.
“This is my dream job and I couldn’t be happier,” said Queensborough. “It such an honour to be able to be representing my people.”
Queensborough was among several Caribbean countries representatives promoting their islands and its unique offerings at Caribbean Tourism Office (CTO) Canada Week consumer shows in Toronto and Montreal last week.
“Jamaica has something for everyone,” she said. “It ranges from the sun and people to excellent food and outstanding hospitality. It is the home of ‘All Right’.”
Graduating from Central Technical School and Humber College with a marketing & advertising diploma, Queensborough worked with Sunquest Vacations, Sandals & Beaches Resorts and CFTR Radio in sales before joining the JTB. She was Sandals & Beaches Resorts representative in Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
There are regular flights from Canada to Montego Bay and Kingston.
Beginning on December 19, Sunwing will be operating a direct seven-hour flight from Vancouver to Montego Bay. The service ends on April 3, 2018. Vacationers can choose between a stay at one of the tour operators leading luxury resorts or a cruise package on board the newly refurbished TUI Discovery 2 that commence sailing from Montego Bay this month.
“The new service represents our ongoing efforts to increase seat capacity from Canada,” Queensborough said.
Canada has been Jamaica’s fastest growing market in the last 12 months. This is a significant reversal from a year ago when there was a sharp and worrying decline.
From being down 17 per cent a year ago, there has been an eight per cent increase so far in 2017.
While Montego Bay is the primary destination for visitors, Kingston – already considered the Caribbean’s main cultural and entertainment hub –is being promoted as a leisure market for visitors looking to experience more than sand, sun and beach.
The Bob Marley Museum at 56 Old Hope Rd. is a popular tourist attraction. Declared a protected national heritage site on May 31, 2001, the residence was the artiste’s and Tuff Gong record label home from 1973 until his death eight years later.
Tour guides escort visitors through the grounds, which include the Main House, Exhibition Hall, Theatre, Gift Shop and Café and the many mementos.
The displays include a life size three-dimensional hologram of Marley from the “One Love Peace Concert” in 1978, his Grammy Lifetime Achievement award, his personal recording studio, his bedroom, favourite clothing, a vast array of gold and platinum records as well as the costumes of his back-up singers, the I-Threes.
The tour concludes with a 20-minute film video presentation.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the prices of admission are US$25 for adults and $12 for children between the ages of four and 12.
“While there are no all-inclusive hotels in Kingston, we want visitors to experience this city in a different light,” said Queensborough. It is not your typical vacation spot and we have tour operators offering day trips to Kingston.”
