Destination Jamaica takes centre stage at Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival

NEW YORK, USA (JIS): The Jamaica Tourist Board, has taken over as title sponsor of the annual Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, which will take place from January 22 to 24.

The Festival, Jamaica's premiere music event, will once again feature three nights of A-list performances, and this year will also place more emphasis on the destination with special resort and attractions packages, created to showcase Jamaica's diverse tourism product.

"The Jamaica Tourist Board has supported this festival since its inception, and as this year's title sponsor the spotlight will shine more brightly on the entire destination," said Deputy Director of Tourism, Cruise, Attractions & Events, Zachary Harding. He added that "music is one of Jamaica's greatest cultural exports, and we are honoured to have the festival renamed the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, more closely associating the annual event with our unique culture and heritage."

This year's entertainment lineup include A-list performers like London's exciting new artist Estelle, Grammy Award-winner Lionel Richie, Atlantic Starr, Lou Gramm, 14-year-old Canadian sensation Nikki Yanofsky, the O'Jays, Robin Thicke, Chicago, among other to be confirmed later.

Visitors to the 2009 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, can take advantage of special offers from participating hotels and attractions, including; Ritz Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Half Moon, Iberostar Rose Hall, Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Holiday Inn Sunspree, Riu Montego Bay, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, and Cinnamon Hill Golf Course.

The 2009 Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, presented by Air Jamaica, will be staged at the historic Aqueduct in Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica, from Thursday, January 22 to Saturday, January 24. Tickets for the festival go on sale later this year. For more information on the exciting lineup for the 2009 Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, visit www.jamaicajazzandblues.com. For more information about Jamaica, or to book a trip, go to www.visitjamaica.com.