Passing Grade for JAPEX Organisers

Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook, has given a passing grade to organisers of the 25^th Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) travel trade show, which ended on September 22 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in St. James.

Speaking to JIS News, Mr. Pennicook said this year’s show attracted some 23 new tour operators, with the majority of them coming from the emerging Latin American market, while retaining previous participants.

“I am particularly excited about the new tour operators. These are new buyer companies who will be selling Jamaica from here on. Of that 23, I think 17 or 18 of them are from Latin America, which is an emerging market that we are working to really grow, as we try to continue to diversify our source markets,” the Director said.

Mr. Pennicook, in paying tribute to the main organisers of the trade show, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), said it is good that after 25 years, the event remains very attractive in the marketplace.

He pointed out that the objectives of the trade show have been met over 25 years, which is ensuring that the major buyers attend to meet with mainly the small hoteliers.

The Director noted that a series of meetings will now be held with the stakeholders to review the event and ensure that JAPEX gets better in years to come.

Mr. Pennicook said the focus on small hoteliers cannot be changed, as in most cases they are unable to attend the major trade shows across the world and JAPEX  enables them to  interface with travel wholesalers and tour operators.

JAPEX, an annual event, is hosted by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). It offers the ideal forum for leading suppliers of the country’s tourism product to meet with travel wholesalers and tour operators in a professionally organised business exchange.