From left: German Consular and deputy head of mission, Michael Kroner, poses for the camera with Riu's director of sales, Angella Bennett and Caribic Vacation's Oliver Townsend at a beach party at Riu Ocho Rios recently for some 100 media practitioners who were on the island for the TUI educational summer programme.

WESTERN BUREAU:

RIU's entry into the world of culinary delights was evident on November 5 at its farewell party to some 100 European media practitioners brought to the island by the country's largest German tour operator, TIU Deutschland.

From as early as 7 p.m., the moon that caressed the skies and the stars that hovered joined in unison signalling the start to an evening when the country's rich cultural heritage would be fused with the best of gastronomic delights.

It was obvious that RIU Ocho Rios had outdone itself with the finest international traditions.

Painstakingly decorating its beach to look like a tropical oasis, the Spanish team of hoteliers integrated Asian, Mexican, Jamaican and Mediterranean concepts resulting in the epitome of culinary experiences, coupled with the unique African dance tradition, which was later complemented by the contemporary rhythms of Byron Lee's Dragonnaires.

Service, not servitude

The group from Turkey, Germany and Spain were fêted in a style that is synonymous with Jamaica.

Service, not servitude, was the unspoken words of the mainly local staff who went way beyond the call of duty to ensure the experience was uniquely Jamaican.

As the largest group of European media to visit the island's shores departed on Friday, they could easily be repeating the mantra, 'Once you go, you know'.

Janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

From Left: President of the German Association of Travel Journalists Jurgen Drensel, Riu's Director of Communications Claudia Schunk and TUI Germany's Ingo Burmester share the spotlight at the event. - Photo by Janet Silvera

The RIU animator team showcasing Jamaica's rich cultural heritage at a beach party hosted for TUI Deutschland and some 100 media practitioners at RIU Ocho Rios last week Thursday night.

Joachim Mayershofer (left) and Laura Mapone dance to the sounds of Byron Lee's Dragonaires band during a beach party at RIU Ocho Rios for some 100 media practitioners who were on the island for the TUI educational summer programme.

Not sure if these four (from left), TUI's Steffen Boehnke, RIU's Angella Bennett, Annette Schmid and Armin Kaestner are trying to do the macarena on the sand, but we know they are dancing the night away.