What better way to experience the culture of a nation than through its people? For travellers seeking insight into the Jamaican experience and the warm welcome of a Jamaican friend, the island's Meet-the-People program provides an ideal option. Launched in 1968 by The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), the Meet-The-People program reaches out to visitors curious to explore the culture of this vibrant Caribbean island, taking them beyond the traditional resort and beach setting into the colorful realm of Jamaica's lifestyle, tradition and customs.

Enriching Experience of Hospitality
Visitors wishing to take part in the Meet-the-People program are teamed up with Jamaican hosts or volunteers who share a common profession, hobby or interest, free of cost. In true Jamaican fashion, these volunteers offer a hand of friendship and hospitality to visitors who genuinely want to know Jamaicans and the Jamaican way of life.

Meet the People allows the visitor to meet a Jamaican who can enhance their enjoyment of the real Jamaica. Guests may get to meet a family or know a fellow musician, doctor, photographer, nurse, teacher or artist, or participate in a wide range of activities, such as hiking, shopping at a local craft or food market, visit a church, tour a facility or have a chat over Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountain coffee.

Whatever the focus, these activities are uniquely Jamaican, providing an island experience that only locals can create, and a pathway to the unique aspects of Jamaica's rich endearing heritage in people, culture, music, cuisine and natural landscape. The Jamaica Tourist Board will make all arrangements for you to participate in the Meet the People program! Once you have confirmed your accommodations and your travel dates, simply sign up online. We are waiting to welcome you!

Unforgettable experiences of Jamaica continue to linger through Meet-the-People encounters. In March 1976, the Jamaica Tourist Board adopted the Forget-Me-Not flower as the symbol for the program. The flower grows wild all over Jamaica, especially in the cooler areas, producing white, pink, or blue blossoms. It was selected to reinforce the significance of the people-to-people contact, after which each person can truly say to the other, "It was a wonderful time of togetherness. Forget me not."

Popular Destinations in Jamaica:

•  Kingston

•  Montego Bay

•  Negril

•  Ocho Rios

•  Port Antonio

•  Runaway Bay

•  Jamaica's South Coast

• Jamaica Main Page

Visit these Related Pages:

• Jamaica Sightseeing Tours & Attractions

• Things to Know Before You Go

• Do's and Don'ts in Jamaica

• Shopping in Jamaica

• Jamaica's Culture