JTB celebrates carnival & Jamaican-inspired dishes in T.O.

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) completed two successful activations in Toronto this month to highlight and celebrate the spirit of the island.

On April 7, the JTB hosted a watch party at the Delta Chelsea Hotel to showcase the carnival festivities that took place on island in the streets of its capital, Kingston.

Although guests were not able to physically join in the parade, the hosted watch party provided travel agents with a great time celebrating Jamaica’s Carnival culture in Toronto.

The Carnival’s festivities were shared through footage and interviews that featured Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul, Jully Black and Flow 93.5 FM’s DJ Spex, which was livestreamed in the Monarch Pub to give attendees a feel of the energy in the streets of Jamaica.

The party included live music, island-themed culinary delights along with a display of vibrant colours and costume regalia which is a memorable aspect of the carnival experience.

“Carnival isn't merely a festival; it's a cultural extravaganza that transcends borders, bringing people together in celebration. Providing key persons from our Canadian market with an opportunity to view the energy on island during carnival is important in encouraging them to join in this cultural experience,” said Donovan White, director of tourism, in a press release.

Angella Bennett, regional director, Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board also noted the value of the hosted watch pary: “With all the upcoming festivals and activities that are happening in Jamaica, we always strive to bring awareness to our audience here in Canada, to invite them down to join us. Jamaica is known for providing safe and high-standard entertainment experiences and this party give attendees a taste of this unique cultural experience.”

T.O. Food & Drink Fest

That same week, from April 5-7, the JTB also brought a taste of the island to this year’s T.O. Food & Drink Fest at the Metro Convention Centre through Jamaican-inspired dishes made by culinary expert, Noel Cunningham.

The three-day festival celebrated delicious and diverse cuisine to innovative cocktails, wines, restaurants, breweries, live music, and the best chefs the city has to offer.

Presented by the JTB and Sunwing Vacations, Chef Cunningham delighted the crowd by showcasing Jamaica’s best-in-cuisine at Canada’s largest food and drink festival of its kind.

Cunningham, who hails from Kingston, showcased his culinary skills on the Chef’s Stage to display some of Jamaica’s legendary culinary traditions while contributing to Toronto’s lively and vibrant food scene.

With his Caribbean-inspired creations – from ackee and salt fish croquettes to jerk spiced chicken with sweet plantain puree, food lovers were taken on a culinary journey of flavours that make Jamaican cuisine so unique. GraceKennedy Foods was also onboard to sample tasty treats and drinks from their renowned retail line.

More than 12,000 patrons visited this year’s food and drink festival.

The JTB and GraceKennedy Foods also featured an all-inclusive luxury trip-giveaway for two to the newly opened Princess Resorts in Negril, as well as a grand gift basket filled with Grace products for a lucky winner.

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