With a carnival atmosphere, a host of culinary delights on offer plus year-round sunshine, Jamaica is the ideal destination for families looking to put a spring in their step this Easter.

Trade in chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies, for 'bun and cheese', an Easter favourite in Jamaica. Add to that the delicious seafood dishes including Escoveitch fish which take centre stage on Jamaican tables during this holiday season, 3 – 6 April. Guests lured to Jamaica's stunning scenery this April can indulge in some of the island's culinary traditions as well as partaking in carnivals, regattas and other memory-making excursions suitable for all the family.

Bacchanal Carnival

Traditionally held around the Easter break, Carnival will celebrate its 27th anniversary this year with reggae and calypso beats taking over the streets of Kingston, Montego Bay and Negril. Jamaica's annual Bachaanal kicks off in January and continues for eight weeks to its climax on the weekend after Easter. Revellers to this year's events should come donned in their finest carnival gear, which they can order in advance from Bachannal Jamaica's official website. If fun by the water is your wish, The Montego Bay Yacht Club Easter Regatta, is set to take place over the four day Easter weekend. Visitors of all ages can join in the race or simply view the festivities from Montego Bay's harbour. Those looking to get involved can don their sea legs and race over 15km to the beautiful Mosquito Cove.

For Nature Lovers

The temptations of Jamaica's natural beauty are never far away. Visitors looking to discover some of the island's natural wonders can choose to hike through the Blue Mountains and get a bird's eye view of the island by climbing to the 7,402 ft peak where they will find themselves standing in a lush tropical forest as birdcalls fill the air, a natural soundtrack for the hike.

If it's a relaxing boat ride that visitors are keen to try, head to the breathtaking waters of Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio. From there, visitors will get to see the water colour changing throughout the day from turquoise to dark blue, depending on the way the sun shines on the lagoon's waters. The iconic Dunn's River Falls, an astounding flowing waterfall that extends more than 600 ft, is an adventurer's paradise. Located in the Ocho Rios resort area, the ascent begins on the white sand beach below, and allows climbers to stop off in the pools of water on the way up to capture the moment on camera.

For Adventure-Seekers

For the adventurous traveller, Jamaica also offers a number of excursions from horseback riding through the Caribbean Sea to rafting on bamboo rafts down the river, to zip lining through canopies in the heart of the forest or even riding through the rainforest on a quad bike. These activities are perfectly suited to the 'tween' and teenage market, ensuring this Easter is fun for all the family.

Family-fun at Jamaica's Leading Resorts

Some of Jamaica's leading resorts will welcome guests with an array of events and special activities planned for the Easter holiday. GoldenEye Resort recently launched its new nocturnal paddle-boarding on the lagoon. These trips take visitors on tours through the stunning Oracabessa Lagoon. Guests can choose to free paddle in the shallows or be guided towards a private torch-lit beach barbecue for a post-paddle Jamaican feast. Meanwhile Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resortis set to open one of the Caribbean's largest oceanfront waterparks in time for Easter. The waterpark encompasses towering water slides and family raft rides, a lazy river with coves and chic private cabanas for when it's time to relax.

Visitors travelling to Jamaica for Easter or in April can choose from a number of packages including:

Seven Night All-Inclusive Package at Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios from £2,254 Per Person

Caribtours is offering a seven-night all-inclusive package at Jamaica Inn from £2,254 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Superior Balcony Suite on a room-only basis and includes return scheduled flights from London Gatwick on 1 April 2015 and use of the lounge of London Gatwick. To book visit your local Thomson travel shop, call 020 7751 0660 or visit www.caribtours.co.uk.

14 Night All-Inclusive Package at The Royal Decameron, Montego Bay from £2,260 Per Couple

Thomas Cook is offering a 14-night all-inclusive package at the three-star Royal Decameron, Montego Bay, from £2,260 per couple. Price is based on two adults sharing a sea-view balcony double room and includes return flights from Manchester on 23March 2015. To book visit www.thomascook.com or call 0844 412 5970.

Seven Night All-Inclusive Package at Sunset Beach Resort & Waterpark, Montego Bay, from £4,066 Per Family

Kenwood Travel is offering a seven-night all-inclusive package at the Sunset Beach Resort & Waterpark, Montego Bay from £4,066 per family. Price is based on two adults and two children sharing an Ocean View room and includes return Virgin Atlantic flights from London Gatwick on 18 April 2015 and free return transfers. To book visit www.kenwoodtravel.com or call 020 7749 9245.

For more information on Jamaica, visit www.VisitJamaica.com.

-ENDS-

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Image 1: Private Beach atJamaica Inn, Ocho Rios

Image 2: Bacchanal Easter Carnival, Jamaica

Image 3: River Rafting on the Rio Grande

For more information or images please contact:

McCluskey International

Fiona Anderson / Lauren Hill

T: 020 8747 2170

E: Jamaica@mccluskey.co.uk

About Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica's national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2013. Also in 2013, Jamaica earned the WTA's vote for the World's Leading Cruise Destination, Caribbean's Leading Destination and Caribbean's Leading Cruise Destination for the seventh consecutive year. Additionally, the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port was recognised as the World's Leading Tourism Development Project while Ocho Rios was named the Caribbean's Leading Cruise Port and Sangster International Airport was voted the Caribbean's Leading Airport. In Canada, Jamaica was voted the Favourite Honeymoon Destination by Travel Agents. 

JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo.  For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB's website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board 020 7225 9090.  Follow the JTB on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitjamaicauk, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jtbuk, on Instagram at http://instagram.com/visitjamaica on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/myjamaica/or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/myjamaicajtb. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.