famous jamaica tourism poster

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Tourism Poster That Put Jamaica on the Map Gets New Life

Translations

A screen grab from the Jamaica Tourist Board 1972 television commercial, featuring Sintra Bronte.

Back in 1972, a young Trinidadian model, Sintra Bronte , made Jamaica famous by posing in a wet t-shirt with the name of the island emblazoned across the front.

It was for a promotional poster for the country's tourist board, and it helped make Jamaica the go-to destination of the Caribbean at the time.

Now, the poster has been given new life thanks to American musician Alicia Keys recreating it and posting the image on Instagram , with the comment:

I always wanted to redo this 1972 classic! #funtimes

At the time of publishing, Keys’ post had garnered close to 100,000 “likes” and nearly 3,000 appreciative comments. Feedback from Jamaican netizens was also complimentary :

Thank you @aliciakeys for your contribution to the Jamaica culture. #Jamaica #AliciaKeys #Jamaicaposter #Jamaica1972 pic.twitter.com/JgEPbunfOn — J€RK $AW©£ (@Ducedidit) August 20, 2015

@aliciakeys definitely nailed the redo of this 1972 classic!😍😍😍 #aliciakeys #jamaica https://t.co/hpj6ywgvz8 — WHATSPOPPIN NEWS (@whatspoppindot) August 9, 2015

Some Twitter users were pleased that Sintra's original poster was experiencing a renaissance:

Sintra back on the block with her world famous wet t-shirt Poster http://t.co/SO5d3MMHXy #jamaica #aliciakeys #SintraArunteBronte — Ashley Moncrieffe (@AshFiMon) August 18, 2015

@aliciakeys #AliciaKeys #jamaica 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/tqtZQEzijw — Sgt. Dankz (@loudpackm0nster) August 9, 2015

However, one blogger wasn't so sure — he had assumed, like many other Jamaicans, that the 1972 poster girl was indigenous:

Some 30+ years later, like the return of the ghost of yesterday’s past, the image is again being talked about. And it was through this buzz that I, like many other Jamaicans became aware of her name; Sintra Arunte-Bronte. To my surprise and disappointment, she is not a Jamaican national. Disappointed, I say, because Jamaica has more than enough home grown models to choose from, but hey, reasons and politics behind that could be substantial.

The rationale for choosing Sintra over a Jamaican national was explained in this video featuring Anthony Abrahams, who was Jamaica's Director of Tourism from 1970-1975. He noted that at the time, there was a lot of interest in China. The advertising agency had originally pitched the idea of featuring a Jamaican girl of Chinese descent to illustrate that the exoticism of the Far East was also alive and well in Jamaica.

The casting effort didn't go well, however, so Sintra was put forward instead, and the rest is history.

The Sebastian Books blog post went on to claim that “the image is being talked about now because the Jamaican Tourist Board is considering an upgrade”.

There has been no confirmation that the Keys shoot was commissioned by the Jamaican government.

Still, the blogger maintains:

Pride should be taken from within, especially in a situation of a national photo-shoot; the use of models [of] external nationalities sends a bad message.

As for Sintra Bronte, she says she is flattered by the resurgence of attention surrounding the poster.

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Alicia Keys channeled Jamaica’s most famous poster with the curvy Sintra Arunte-Bronte in a throbbing and soaking wet red t-shirt . The photo was posted on her Instagram account where she said  “I always wanted to redo this 1972 classic”

Here is the famous promotional poster by  Jamaica Tourists Board with Sintra Arunte-Bronte. Do you think Alicia Key’s photo is an exact replica of the original?

Favourite Jamaican genre?

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1972 Jamaica Tourist Board Sintra Bronte

Date: c.1972 Artist: Unknown Size (in): 36” x 25” Size (cm): 91.5 x 63.5 Condition: B Linen backed: No This is vintage original travel poster was issued by the Jamaica Tourist Board in 1972. This poster features the image of Trinidadian model Sintra Bronte in wet t-shirt which became a widely recognized symbol of the island nation’s carefree lifestyle. This is the 1972 first edition of this poster with a copyright by the Jamaica Tourist Board printed in the lower margin.

This poster shows moderate handling wear including some bumping to the edges, slight creasing and a couple short edge tears without loss. The colors are bold and overall condition is very good.

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Wet t-shirt girl jamaica.

The Iconic ‘Wet T-Shirt Girl’ of the Jamaica Tourism Campaign

Jamaica, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, has long been a sought-after tourist destination. But did you know that a single promotional poster featuring a young model in a wet T-shirt played a significant role in boosting Jamaica’s popularity as a Caribbean hotspot? In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating story of the iconic ‘ Wet T-Shirt Girl ‘ of the Jamaica tourism campaign, tracing its origins, impact, and lasting legacy.

The Birth of the ‘Jamaica Girl’

In 1972, a Trinidadian model named Sintra Bronte took part in a promotional photoshoot for the Jamaica Tourist Board . She waded into the crystal-clear waters of a Jamaican beach wearing a red shirt with the word “Jamaica” emblazoned across the chest. This captivating image captured the attention of many and became the foundation for what would later be known as the ‘Jamaica Girl’ poster. One thing for sure, she’s the most famous Jamaica poster girl.

Sparking a Tourism Boom

The ‘Jamaica Girl’ poster had an immediate and profound impact on Jamaica’s tourism industry. The image, with its stunning beauty and exotic allure, attracted a significant amount of attention both locally and internationally. The poster effectively conveyed the idea of Jamaica as a tropical paradise, enticing potential visitors with its pristine beaches and inviting waters.

Cultural Significance

Beyond its promotional value, the ‘Jamaica Girl’ poster holds cultural significance. The image represents the beauty and diversity of the Caribbean region and serves as a testament to the captivating allure of Jamaica. It became an iconic symbol not only for Jamaica but also for Caribbean tourism as a whole.

Enduring Legacy

Even after several decades, the ‘Jamaica Girl’ poster continues to resonate with people worldwide. It has become one of the most recognizable and sought-after collectors’ items, with its timeless beauty and historical significance making it a prized possession for many. The poster’s enduring popularity speaks volumes about its lasting impact on Jamaica’s tourism industry.

The story of the ‘Wet T-Shirt Girl’ of the Jamaica tourism campaign is a testament to the power of visual imagery in shaping perceptions and driving tourism. Sintra Bronte’s iconic pose, captured in a single photograph, catapulted Jamaica into the international spotlight and forever changed the perception of the Caribbean nation as a desirable vacation destination. The ‘Jamaica Girl’ poster stands as a timeless symbol of Jamaica’s natural beauty and cultural richness, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s tourism industry and inspiring generations of travelers to experience the wonders of Jamaica firsthand.

Get the famous JAMAICA T-shirt to recreate the photo

Alicia Keys’ recreation of the iconic 1972 Jamaica “Wet T-Shirt Girl” poster was a tribute to the original image and a celebration of Jamaican culture. Her photo shoot demonstrated the lasting impact of the poster.

Meanwhile, Janelle Monáe recreates it all year long…

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