He has a lot to be happy about. Jamaica's director of tourism, Basil Smith, the brainchild behind the island's new www.visitjamaica.com website was all smiles as he greeted SuperClubs' Zein Nakash at the launch at the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC) in Kingston, last Wednesday morning.- photos by Janet Silvera

Last Wednesday, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) unveiled its new VisitJamaica.com website during a global webcast live from Kingston, hosted by Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Director of Tourism Basil Smith. Serving the needs of the modern and technologically savvy global traveller, the website will enhance visitors' Jamaican experience before they arrive and make trip planning and exploring completely interactive.

Created and designed by a worldwide agency of record Draftfcb New York, the website is a rebirth of Jamaica's online brand presence and will offer a fresh look and feel focusing on the country's diverse attractions, activities and accommodations that range from "ritzy" to "roadside".

useful tools

"The website is a great way for us to bring the array of Jamaican experiences to life. We created useful tools, and new content as well as a rich, interactive experience on the homepage that takes the user from 'Ritzy' to 'Roadside' in a flash," said Joni Rentz, Draftfcb creative director.

Visitors will be able to explore what Jamaica offers through an engaging and immersive experience featuring the country's people, culture, art, music, cuisine, history, attractions and diverse ranges of accommodations. Greeted with an upbeat tempo version of One Love , visitors will be invited to use the 'slider' function which will guide them through Jamaica's 'ritzy' to 'roadside' offerings through a flash experience, moving images and videos. Visitors will be invited to 'flip' each image over to learn more and to save their favourites in a personalised trip-planning page called 'My Jamaica'. A feature will also allow them to email and share with friends and family.

VisitJamaica.com will boast other key features including improved functionality, updated content, quicker response time, GPS tracking of favourite spots and Google maps.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Mrs Jennifer Griffiths (left); newly appointed executive director of the Tourism Product Development Company, Earl Patrick; and member of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Dr Carolyn Hayle, at the launch of the new Jamaica website www.visitjamaica.com at the CPTC in Kingston, last Wednesday.