JAPEX 2014: Tourism Linkages Hub to build and strengthen business ties

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In keeping with ongoing efforts to improve the linkages between tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and other sectors of the economy, the Tourism Linkages Hub will assist in coordinating the participation of over 80 local suppliers of goods and services at the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) 2014.

The Linkages Hub has partnered with the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), to facilitate the participation of the suppliers.

JAPEX is the single most important travel trade show for Jamaica’s tourism sector and brings together hundreds of travel agents, wholesalers and tour operators from Europe and the Americas as well as leading suppliers in the island’s tourism sector for important business negotiations. The annual event is staged by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) in association with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). The three-day trade show will be held from September 21 – 23, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James.

Speaking recently at the JAPEX 2014 press conference, Chairman of the Tourism Linkages Council, Mr. Donovan Perkins, said the primary focus of the linkages initiative at the event will be on the procurement needs of hotels, restaurants, attractions, gift shops and spa facilities. “In preparation for this, over the months since its inception, our linkages hub has been meeting directly with procurement officers in the market and encouraging their support for local sectors,” said Mr. Perkins.

Through the efforts of the Tourism Linkages Hub some 33 manufacturing companies will showcase a variety of products, including furniture and bedding, food and beverages, textile and sewn products, chemicals, industrial supplies, cosmetics, printing and packaging, windows and doors. It was also noted that 50 suppliers of art, gift, craft and aromatherapy products will also participate in the event; while RADA will feature suppliers of agricultural produce and other value-added products.

Similarly, the linkages hub is working with the Entertainment Division of the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment to incorporate the entertainment sector in the event, which will entail a showcase of high quality Jamaican entertainment during the event’s opening ceremony.

Underscoring the significance of the Tourism Linkages Hub, the Chairman said, “In today’s economic environment, it is clear that for countries to thrive, they need to have coordinated activities that result in greater co-operation between established economic segments, as well as emerging ones.”

Mr. Perkins pointed out that central banks in significant economic zones have been pumping trillions of dollars into their economies, all in an effort to create jobs, revive growth and instill market confidence in the future. “Unfortunately, Jamaica does not have this option in its arsenal to encourage growth. However, I think many will agree that business opportunities can develop and become sustainable, if good working relationships can be established and encouraged between key interest groups,” he said.

Mr. Perkins added that “good business is based on strong relationships and JAPEX provides the opportunity to build, strengthen and sustain local relationships. JAPEX is effectively our first linkages tool, created years ago and its success is now well recognized.”

“Our objective is to become as effective and as successful as JAPEX. In doing so, Jamaica’s future will be brighter,” said the linkages council chairman.

The Tourism Linkages Hub is an arm of the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment. Now in its second year, its primary goal is to ensure that Jamaica’s tourism sector becomes better integrated with and creates local opportunities for other sectors such as entertainment, agriculture and manufacturing.