'Bolt Bounce' gives rise to holiday bookings in the UK

Tour operators in the United Kingdom (UK) are reporting a considerable increase in holiday bookings as a direct result of Jamaica's high profile during the London 2012 Olympics and the staging of Jamaica House 2012 at The O2.

"We are thrilled to hear that bookings have been impressive with significant upswings in all areas. The increase in airlift by both TUI and Virgin Holidays has meant that the build-up in interest which was created over the Olympic period has been converted into actual bookings,"said John Lynch, director of tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), who was giving some significant feedback from the JTB's key tour operators.

Amanda Wills, managing director, Virgin Holidays, expressed gratitude in what she called the 'Bolt Bounce'.

"We are experiencing significant levels of interest in Jamaica, with the destination being one of our most-searched for online and most in demand in our shops. To have the identity of the island so closely aligned to the character of an individual and his heroics on the track, and the success of the team in general, has really helped to put Jamaica at the front of our customers' minds," said Wills.

Phillip Iveson, general manager, TUI UK and Northern Europe, stressed that as the largest airline flying between the UK and Jamaica, TUI UK was delighted to see the reaction of their customers to Team Jamaica's performance at the London Olympics. He said the airline plans to extend its service to Jamaica.