Govt Providing Opportunities for Innovative Jamaicans in Tourism

Deputy Executive Director of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Lionel Myrie, says the Government is committed to ensuring that opportunities are available in tourism for Jamaicans who are prepared to innovate and deliver quality service.

As such, he said that greater emphasis is being placed on providing entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized tourism enterprises with the support necessary to become compliant, competitive and fully capitalise on the success of the industry.

Mr. Myrie was delivering remarks on behalf of Executive Director, Wade Mars, at the TPDCo Licensing Expo held at the Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier in Trelawny on Thursday (Sept. 24).

The expo, being held in resort towns across the island, is a one-stop shop, connecting tourism stakeholders directly with regulatory and financial agencies to apply for or renew licenses under the Tourist Board Act.

It targets craft vendors, tour operators, restaurant owners, transportation providers, guesthouse operators and young entrepreneurs with viable ideas, who want a clear pathway to operating within the sector.

Mr. Myrie said the TPDCo recognises the crucial role played by Jamaicans who provide the goods, services and experiences that underpin the country’s tourism product.

“When most people think about tourism, they think about the visitor, but we here at TPDCo, we think about the Jamaican that is behind that visitor experience,” he said.

Mr. Myrie noted that the Licensing Expo is bringing essential services directly to these stakeholders, making the pathway easier for them to obtain the necessary permits and achieve full regulatory compliance.

“This Licensing Expo is about removing barriers… instead of sending people from office to office trying to navigate different requirements, we have brought key agencies, regulators, business support organisations and financing partners together under one roof,” he pointed out.

Mr. Myrie said that Falmouth was an appropriate location for the event, given the town’s importance to Jamaica’s tourism industry and the business opportunities generated by the movement of visitors through the area.

“Falmouth is one of Jamaica’s most important tourism gateways. Thousands of visitors pass through this town every week, creating opportunities not only for large businesses but also for small and medium-sized enterprises that keep our tourism product vibrant and authentic,” he said.

The Deputy Executive Director further underscored the importance of supporting tourism enterprises as Jamaica continues its recovery from the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

He said rebuilding the sector must extend beyond physical infrastructure to strengthening the businesses and livelihoods that depend on tourism.

“Recovery is not just about restoring infrastructure. It is about empowering people, helping businesses grow, protecting jobs and ensuring that tourism remains a driver of opportunities in our communities across Jamaica,” Mr. Myrie stated.

He added that the staging of the Expo reinforces TPDCo’s commitment to a tourism industry in which Jamaicans can benefit directly from the sector’s continued development.

“Tourism development must be inclusive, accessible and people-centered, because when tourism grows, Jamaicans should grow with it,” he said.