THE Caribbean is coming closer to Belfast this summer with the announcement of two direct flights to Jamaica. Mytravel Airways will be offering up to 500 seats from Belfast International Airport to Montego Bay on June 26 and July 3. The return flights will arrive back at Belfast International on July 11 and July 18, giving 14 nights in one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations. Prices start at a competitive £599 per person. Regional Director UK and Europe of the Jamaica Tourist Board Elizabeth Fox is enthusiastic about the flights. "We know there is great potential for more visitors to Jamaica from Northern Ireland and we welcome these new connections. "Jamaica has a lot to offer, and these two flights will provide the opportunity for travellers - who perhaps might not have thought of a holiday in Jamaica before - of travelling there direct. Hopefully this will encourage many of them to return in the future."
Excited
Paul Pennicook, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board, said: "We are extremely excited about our strengthened marketing efforts in Ireland. We have reinforced our sales and marketing team. "The buoyancy in the Irish economy over the last few years has resulted in people having more disposable income, and increasing their spend on leisure pursuits such as holidays. We want to tap into this, as we believe that the people of Northern Ireland will have a special affinity with Jamacia." As well as the two Mytravel flights direct from Belfast, Virgin Atlantic will start its new twice weekly flight from London Gatwick to Montego Bay in July. Air Jamaica also operates a daily service from Heathrow to Montego Bay. "This increased access to Jamaica makes it the perfect solution to escaping world Cup fever," added the Jamaica Tourist Board Director of Tourism. Jamaica is claimed to be the most diverse of all the Caribbean destinations with its offering of a wide range of high quality accommodation including all-inclusives, boutique hotels, villas and apartments, coupled with many unique and authentic attractions and experiences. Visitors will be spoilt for choice as the island offers everything from horseback riding, all-terrain vehicle tours, windsurfing, water skiing, glass bottom boat rides, snorkeling, scuba diving to deep sea fishing. And for a more off the wall adventure, there is the famous Chukka Canopy Tours, which take participants through the rainforest using 'zip lines' across the treetops.
Cricket
For those who prefer the adrenalin rush of cricket, Jamaica will play host to the Cricket World Cup in 2007 - Ireland in fact will be playing its games in Jamaica. "We will be looking at doing some promotion of the cricket World Cup nearer the time," said Jamaica Tourist Board's Torrens Lewis.

BY BRIAN OGLE