TEF Marks 20 Years of Transformative Impact in Tourism

The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) is celebrating 20 years of impactful and transformative service and stewardship.

The entity marked this milestone with a commemorative service at Mona Baptist Church in St. Andrew on May 18, where Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Jenniffer Griffith, delivered remarks on behalf of Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

“For 20 years, TEF has worked hard to be a faithful steward of the resources entrusted to it. We’ve invested in infrastructure – rehabilitating roads, improving public spaces, enhancing town centres, and developing places like the Artisan Village in Falmouth, where the culture and creativity of Jamaica are proudly on display,” Mr. Bartlett said.

He emphasised that, over the years, the TEF has built a lasting legacy centred on sustainable development, community empowerment, and the advancement of Jamaicans through tourism.

“We’ve invested in the restoration of our beaches – not just for the enjoyment of our visitors, but for the benefit of Jamaicans, so that families can relax, vendors can earn a living, and communities can truly thrive,” the Minister pointed out, adding that the entity has also preserved and restored heritage sites.

Mr. Bartlett highlighted the TEF’s significant contribution to human development, particularly through the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI), where numerous individuals have received training and certification.

“Over 30,000 Jamaicans have been certified since 2017 – from chefs and bartenders to supervisors and hospitality leaders,” he informed.

The Minister noted that the certification programme has provided many Jamaicans with internationally recognised qualifications and stackable credentials, enhancing their mobility and dignity within the labour market.

“Whether it’s the high school senior in Negril who became a certified lifeguard, or the aspiring chef from St. Ann who earned his internationally accredited certification through TEF-sponsored training – we are investing in our future, one credential at a time,” he pointed out.

Minister Bartlett further noted that the TEF has trained more than 300 disc jockeys (DJs) in hotels through its DJ Certification Programme, and has helped students transition from school to the world of work through its internship programme.

Additionally, the TEF has played a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of tourism workers through its support of the Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme, and housing initiatives providing safe and affordable homes.

Another impactful programme spearheaded by the TEF is its Speed Networking event, which fosters direct connections between local suppliers and hotels.

Over the years, this programme has generated more than $1 billion in contracts, strengthening Jamaican small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs).

“From artisans to food producers, our people are being given the tools, the access, and the belief that they, too, belong in this industry,” Mr. Bartlett indicated.

Reflecting on the Fund’s achievements, the Minister emphasised that the journey is far from over, reaffirming its commitment to continuous growth and impact.

“There are still dreams to support, communities to uplift and young people waiting to be seen, trained, and empowered,” he maintained.

Mr. Bartlett expressed the hope that the next 20 years will bring even greater impact for the TEF, further advancing its mission of sustainable development and industry growth.

“May we never forget that the true measure of success is not in numbers, but in the lives we touch, the communities we build, and the hope we leave behind,” he stated.

The Tourism Enhancement Fund, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, is celebrating its 20th anniversary under the theme: ‘20 Years of Impact: Tourism Dollars Still Working for You’.

The entity drives tourism innovation by spearheading transformational infrastructure projects, advancing sustainability, strengthening human capital development, and fostering industry linkages through the strategic use of research data.