Tourism Awareness Week Being Observed From September 23 To 30

The Ministry of Tourism will mark Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) from September 23 to 30, under the theme ‘Tourism and the Digital Transformation’.

This year’s observance will incorporate World Tourism Day, being observed on September 27.

The week will commence with a thanksgiving service at Calvary Baptist Church in Montego Bay, St. James, on Sunday, September 23, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Throughout the week, the Ministry will utilize the print and electronic media to highlight its work in boosting the sector’s development.

Other activities will include a social media competition; Tourism Action Club forum; and the announcement of the Tourism Action Club Digital Activation Contest winner.

The major highlight will be the 28^th Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) trade show at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from September 23 to 25.

The annual three-day event provides the ideal forum for leading suppliers in Jamaica’s tourism industry to negotiate, network and meet with tour operators, travel wholesalers and other industry partners and stakeholders from across the globe.

In his TAW message, Portfolio Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett, noted that the Ministry has been developing a number of initiatives, which utilise innovative technology to improve visitor experience and link local entrepreneurs with buyers in the hotels.

“The Government of Jamaica, and by extension the Ministry, recognises the value of technology and the potential positive impact it can have on revolutionising the lives of every Jamaican. Rather than fearing the change, we have opted to use the way our modern-traveller depends heavily on technology, as an opportunity to engage them and reach a larger segment of the travel market,” he pointed out.