Jamaica Ranked Third Best Island, but Joe Issa Says “We Can Be No.1!” Even as the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) celebrates the third place ranking of Jamaica by travel website Trip Advisor on its World’s Best Islands list, tourism guru Joe Issa, who has achieved many firsts, declares Jamaica can be No.1. “I congratulate the JTB for taking Jamaica to a thirdplace finish on the reputable TripAdvisor list of the best islands in the world, because when you consider the huge number of islands in the survey, a third place finish is an awesome achievement,” says Issa, who is a member of the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce Past Presidents Committee.
He says, “However, because we have become accustomed to being number one in so many areas for so long, I believe it is not beyond us to be the best in this case, especially since we have been in it for a long and know what our visitors are demanding of us – great hassle-free fun and entertainment, great cuisine, great prices, great ambiance and great service.” Acknowledging that the world is full of beautiful islands and the structures and infrastructure that make you number one are well known to every country, Issa says, “That’s why we have to up the stakes, in order to give our visitors that wow experience that will put us ahead of the game and make Jamaica the happiest place to holiday.” Issa is a multi-award winner in tourism and business. In 1994 he copped the International Hotel Association’s Young Hotelier of the World Award in Sydney, Australia at the age of 29 and was among Travel Agent Magazine’s 100 Rising Stars for four consecutive years – 1997-2000. His popular Bamboo Blu restaurant has consistently been ranked No. 1 in Ocho Rios. Commenting of the rating, Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook, is said to believe that “the ranking is based on the joy that travelers feel during their trips to Jamaica,” stating that “the accommodations, culture, attractions, culinary offerings and warm-hearted people, make each vacation unforgettable.”
TripAdvisor is said to have highlighted the world’s top islands based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions; and the data was said to have been gathered over a 12-month period from worldwide destinations.