Some 118 Exhibitors for Christmas in July

Some 118 local producers of authentic Jamaican gift and souvenir items will showcase their products and network with corporate entities and various industry players at ‘Christmas in July’.

The event, hosted by the Tourism Linkages Network and its partners, is slated for July 19 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. Activities get under way at 9:00 a.m. with an opening ceremony, and the exhibition floor will open to the public at 1:00 p.m.

“We are accommodating these (gift producers) to showcase what it is that they have to offer to corporate Jamaica, the tourism industry, the missions and embassies,” Head of the Tourism Linkages Network, Carolyn McDonald Riley, told JIS NEWS.

Product categories that will be displayed include traditional souvenirs of all kinds; corporate, home and decorative accessories; desktop solutions; specialty foods and aromatherapy/spa products.

Mrs. McDonald Riley said that a new feature of this year’s staging will be the creation of an artisan village dubbed ‘Tropical Wonderland’, which will allow patrons to see products being made from start to finish.

“You will be able to see ceramicists; persons doing pottery, woodwork carvings, jewellery making… people in action making various products on spot, some of which would have already been on display,” she informed.

An online catalogue will be available by August for persons to view products and place orders.

“We are providing opportunities for small manufacturers to be able to supply not just corporate Jamaica but the gifting industry with unique Jamaican items,” Mrs. McDonald Riley said.

Christmas in July involves collaboration with Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association (JMEA), Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), and Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).

The Linkages Network targets the development and strengthening of sustainable links between tourism and other productive sectors of the economy to which it is closely connected, such as agriculture, manufacturing and entertainment.

The primary objective is to increase the consumption of goods and services that can be competitively sourced locally. It also aims to create employment while generating and retaining the country’s foreign exchange earning potential.