There was a buzz of activity in Ocho Rios last Wednesday as nearly 1,000 Chinese vacationers descended on the resort town to experience Jamaica's world-class tourism offerings.

The group represents the single largest number of Chinese visitors to vacation on the island ever.

The visitors were brought into Ocho Rios on board the Costa Atlantica cruise ship as part of China's first around-the-world cruise. Ocho Rios, which is a preferred destination for the Chinese, is only one of the 28 destinations in the 18 countries that will be visited by the group.

The 86-day cruise began in Shanghai, China, on March 1 and will end on May 26. The visitors were warmly welcomed to Ocho Rios by Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Regional Director Janice Allen who, along with JTB, cruise liaison officer Sharon Williams, presented gifts to the leaders of the group.

Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Wykeham McNeill said: "This is truly a vote of confidence for Brand Jamaica as this visit forms part of a world tour, and they could have chosen to visit countless other destinations. The fact that they decided to include Jamaica is proof of the tremendous global appeal of our unique destination."

Minister McNeill also emphasised that the arrival of the group is in keeping with efforts by Jamaica to further tap into the Chinese market in a bid to diversify and develop new markets.