Last week, a group of 196 KHM Travel Group Agents and staff traveled to Jamaica for our largest-ever FAM trip. While FAM (familiarization) trips are a great escape from the routine of a home-based travel agent, they are also packed with site inspections, training sessions and other opportunities for our agents to learn more about the destinations they sell. They also provide agents a chance to connect with peers and with the KHM Travel Group family.

The FAM, which was held February 19-23, was hosted by Funjet Vacations in partnership with Jamaica Tours Limited (JTL). JTL is Jamaica’s largest ground tour operator and destination management company.

Agents arrived Thursday evening and toured the host resorts, the recently-opened Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Rose Hall in Montego Bay. The Ziva is a 496-suite all-inclusive resort that caters to all ages, while the adjacent Zilara is an adults-only escape with 125 rooms that caters to romance travelers. The dual resort is on the site of the former Ritz Carlton.

The welcome reception included a cocktail hour on the Ziva patio, and a buffet dinner in the Ziva ballroom.

On Friday, the agents enjoyed a full day of site inspections of Jamaica’s finest resorts in Ocho Rios, Negril and Montego Bay. During site inspections, agents break into groups to get guided tours of resort facilities, meet with hotel staff, and even sample food from the resort’s kitchens.

In total, agents and staff visited 11 sites including resorts from Sandals, Azul, Riu, and Iberostar, to name a few. Site inspections supply our travel agents with valuable information they can use to market these resorts and packages, and assist clients in choosing the perfect destination for their vacation.

On Friday afternoon, one bus of 45 agents and staff visited Tiny Hope Children’s Home in Falmouth. They donated dozens of book bags and suitcases filled with school supplies, personal care items and other necessities to the abandoned and abused kids who have found refuge at Tiny Hope.

Friday evening KHM Travel’s Pinnacle agents, our top-producing tier of agents, joined KHM Travel staff for a Jamaican-themed party on the Hyatt Ziva terrace.

The agents were up bright and early Saturday and Sunday mornings for training sessions. Saturday featured presentations from the Jamaican Tourist Board and several vendors, including Jamaica Tours Limited, and Playa Resorts.

Members of KHM Travel Group staff led the training sessions on Sunday. Our Agency Director discussed “The Five Reasons Your Prospects Will Become Your Clients” and National Training Director Marie Smith encouraged the agents to “Know Their Value”.

After training sessions, agents and staff had time to relax and take advantage of the Jamaica’s many attractions. On Saturday afternoon, a group got a glimpse of Jamaica’s history through Chukka’s Good Hope Estate Historical Tour of an 18th-century sugarcane plantation. Other fun options included zip lining, dune buggy rides, rum tastings and river tubing.

The highlight of the FAM trip came on Sunday night with the Crystal Awards Dinner and Presentation. Our top-performing agents were recognized for their 2014 achievements and attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour and dinner the Hyatt Ziva ballroom. We will share more details on the awards ceremony and all of the winners in an upcoming post.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the resorts and vendors who helped make this FAM possible. And, of course, thank you to our agents for being a part of this unforgettable FAM trip!