JAPEX Organisers Optimistic

Organsiers of the annual Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) are confident that this year's event will once again be a success in showcasing the country’s tourism product and Brand Jamaica.

The annual tourism marketing and trade show, organised by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) in collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), will be held at the Sunset Jamaica Grand in Ocho Rios, St. Ann from September 30 to October 2.

At the media launch held on September 21 at the event venue, JHTA President,  Evelyn Smith, said that the show will facilitate at least 220 supplier delegates from the country’s six resort areas.

She informed that approximately 100 tour operators from the traditional markets, as well as many important emerging markets will be represented, along with approximately 200 retail travel agents from the United States (US) and Canada.

She said that in addition to local media representatives approximately 35 media and travel writers from the US, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean will be in attendance.

"We anticipate great success once again from this, Jamaica's premier marketing event," Ms. Smith stated.

JAMPRO will be partnering in the staging of JAPEX for the second year, and the agency’s Vice President for Trade and Business Development, Delaine Morgan, said that "JAMPRO is particularly elated at the outcomes of the strong partnership."

She informed that over $100 million in contracts were facilitated from last year’s event, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, and the agency is looking to exceed that figure this year.

Director of Tourism, John Lynch, for his part, expressed his pleasure at the number of local and international participants in this year's show.

He said that events such as JAPEX play a critical role in keeping Brand Jamaica in the forefront and in securing the country’s top position in the travel market.

"In our competitive landscape, the opportunity to focus the attention of the travel trade exclusively on Jamaica is invaluable," he stated, noting that the industry is "poised for a harvest".

JAPEX, now in its 22nd year, provides a forum for stakeholders in the sector to meet, network and negotiate with travel wholesalers and tour operators from around the world.

Over the years, the annual show has become more relevant and important to the livelihood of many businesses and stakeholders in the tourism sector and to country’s economy on the whole.