All India, 25 May 2022: Jamaica will step into the spotlight on the global economic stage as it serves as host this June to the World Free Zones Organization’s 8th Annual International Conference & Exhibition (AICE) 2022, the first to be held in the Caribbean. 

More than 1,500 guests from some 140 countries are set to attend the Annual International Conference & Exhibition (AICE) 2022 that is scheduled for June 13 to 17 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

Jamaica, and Montego Bay in particular, will be the focal point for discussions surrounding the future of supply chains and free zones, legal issues concerning developments in global and regional trade, plus new technologies and emerging trends during the conference.

Themed, ‘Zones: Your Partner for Resilience, Sustainability and Prosperity,’ this five-day event will bring together world-class speakers, global free zone practitioners, policy makers, multi-lateral organizations and business representatives, to exchange ideas, experiences and visions for creating a more integrated global trade and business environment.

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and Director of Tourism, Donovan White, met with World Free Zones Organization (WFZO), Chairman, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, in Dubai ahead of the first World Free Zones Organization Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) to be hosted in the Caribbean, during ATM 2022. At the meeting, the dignitaries discussed conference activities, as well building support and sustainability for the cruise sector in the Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Minister Bartlett also announced the recent tie-up with Emirates Airlines, the largest airline in the Middle East region, have recently started flights to Jamaica. This airlift arrangement opens gateways from the Middle East, Asia and Africa to Jamaica and the rest of the region. The announcement was made at the Arabian Travel Market 2022 in Dubai following high-level meetings between Jamaica’s tourism officials and a team from Emirates Airlines led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority and Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group.

Held annually, the World FZO AICE is the world’s “must attend” event for free zones and associated entities. It is an opportunity to build awareness among World FZO members and prominent participants from across the globe.

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.

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