Ministry of Tourism

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Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Desmond McKenzie (right), presents President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Wayne Cummings, with a framed copy of his proclamation, recognizing April 21-27 as JAPEX Week, during its launch at the office of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) on April 23. Looking on (from left) are: Director of Sales and Marketing at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, Claudette Kenlock; Director of Marketing and Sales at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites and the Knutsford Court Hotel, Nicola Madden-Greig; Executive Director of the JHTA, Camille Needham and Town Clerk, Errol Green. JAPEX is an annual trade show organized by the JHTA and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTA), which provides a forum for wholesalers, tour operators and travel agents from all over the world to meet with and conduct business with Jamaica's leading tourism suppliers.

Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), the country's premier tourism trade show, was officially launched yesterday (April 23) at the offices of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) downtown.

At the launch, Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, declared his support of the event, noting that it provided an opportunity for persons to recognize the potential of Kingston as a true tourist destination.

"When people speak about tourism, they think of Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Portland, and even Mandeville, but nobody believes that Kingston has the potential to be a tourist destination," the Mayor said.

He noted that many years ago, Kingston was one of the main centres for cruise ships and other large vessels that came into Victoria Pier. "We might not have the sand and the beaches as the other parishes do, but we have a strong history," he pointed out.

Mr. McKenzie noted further that Kingston has a strong cultural background, which makes it one of the leading metropolitan cities in the world, adding that "the richness of Kingston is greatly understated."

"I know that the potential for culture and sports tourism is high and Kingston can be and should be marketed in that direction," he opined.

An annual event organized by the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), JAPEX Week (April 21-27), is supported by every Jamaican organization involved in the development, promotion and sale of the island's tourism product.

The event provides a forum for wholesalers, tour operators and travel agents from all over the world to meet and conduct business with Jamaica's leading tourism suppliers.

This year, Kingston was chosen as the host venue through a bidding process, and according to President of the JHTA, Wayne Cummings, the capital city was "the front-runner from very early on."

"We firmly believe that if you cannot sell the capital, you cannot sell Jamaica, and there is so much that goes on here in Kingston that is positive and good for Jamaica and tourism on a whole," he noted.

He informed that there are 62 buyer companies registered for the event and they will bring some 104 delegates. "They are coming from our traditional markets of the United States, Canada (and) the United Kingdom. We are very excited that we have a strong showing out of Russia, Latin America is well represented, particularly South America," he informed.

"On the other side, the suppliers, who are the people at the hotels, attractions, the ground handlers.83 companies (are) registered with a total of 259 delegates, who will be working on the floor making sure that we have sufficient heads to do business," the JHTA President added.

Several events are planned to showcase Kingston and the country on the whole, including visits to historic sites and a trade show, where buyers and suppliers will meet to sign contracts and learn about new products.

Additionally, 22 members of the overseas press will be touring the island and making note of new developments in the city.

Mayor McKenzie said that there are plans to set up four information booths - two downtown, one in New Kingston, and one in Half-Way-Tree - to provide information for visitors and the general public.

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