People / Travel
From the craft trade and hotel industry to his own travel concierge business, Michael Black has built a career around introducing visitors to Jamaica.
Michael Black's journey into tourism began long before he established Travel With Mich.
A Montego Bay native raised in a family connected to the industry, Black worked as a craft trader and at RIU after leaving high school. Both experiences brought him into contact with visitors whose interest in Jamaica would eventually encourage him to establish a business of his own.
“Visitors would often ask me to take them around Jamaica,” he told OCEAN Style in written responses.
Those requests encouraged him to consider becoming a driver. He decided to learn the business from the ground up.
The result was Travel With Mich, a Jamaica-based private transportation and travel concierge service offering excursions and personalized itineraries.
Seeing Jamaica Through Its Visitors
Black traces an important part of his appreciation for Jamaica to his time in the craft trade.
He met travellers who returned year after year, encountered Jamaicans whose creativity and resourcefulness impressed him, and listened to visitors describe what they enjoyed about the island.
“Those conversations helped me appreciate Jamaica's people, creativity, and lasting appeal even more,” he explained.
His experience illustrates a side of tourism that is easily overlooked. For people working directly with visitors, the industry is built as much around conversation and local knowledge as transportation, accommodation and attractions.
Beyond the Familiar Attractions
Black's recommendations extend across the island.
In St. Elizabeth, he suggests YS Falls, a boat trip to Pelican Bar and a stop for a meal in Border. Around Ocho Rios, he recommends the Blue Hole, while Booby Cay offers another excursion for visitors staying near Negril.
He also encourages travellers to explore Jamaica's cultural and historical sites, including the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, Seville Heritage Park and the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston.
The destinations vary considerably, from waterfalls and coastal excursions to museums and heritage sites. Together, they introduce visitors to aspects of Jamaica beyond a single resort or destination.
Black also encourages travellers to eat at local restaurants and spend time in Jamaican communities.
Building a Business Around Jamaica
Travel With Mich brings together Black's experience in the craft trade, hospitality and private transportation.
His business offers private excursions and personalized travel arrangements, while his recommendations reflect the range of Jamaican experiences he encourages visitors to explore.
For Black, the places visitors choose to see are only part of the experience. Local restaurants, communities and cultural encounters also matter.
“Those experiences offer a deeper connection to Jamaica,” he says.
Travel With Mich: travelwithmich.com
