Tourism Suppliers Showcase Goods and Services

More than 15 providers of goods and services to the hospitality sector showcased their various offerings at an exposition held on Friday (October 2), on the grounds of the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment’s Knutsford Boulevard headquarters.

The one day event provided an opportunity for manufacturers, operators of facilities, as well as service providers, to display their products, while networking with other industry players and stakeholders.

It was part of activities for Tourism Awareness Week from September 27 to October 3 under the theme: ‘One billion tourists, One billion opportunities’.

Among the exhibitors were: Club Ambiance, Chukka Caribbean, Dolphin Cove, Hands in Clay Jamaica, Garry’s Concept, and D’Nextstep.

 Speaking with JIS News in an interview, portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, said the expo, part of the Tourism Linkages Hub initiative, is important in highlighting the business connections that are crucial for the growth and development of the industry.

The Tourism Linkages Hub, established some two years ago,  has been reaping success through its efforts at strengthening the relationship between tourism and other sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture and the creative industries.

The mission of the hub is to position the tourism sector to increase its demand for, and consumption of goods and services that can be competitively sourced in Jamaica, while strengthening the linkages between the industry and other sectors.

            “What we are really saying by that…is how we can get (tourism) more integrated into the other sectors of the economy? How can we get those linkages deepened, how can we have more impact on the manufacturing sector, the entertainment sector and the agricultural sector,” Dr. McNeill told JIS News.

            Students from various schools viewed the displays including Clarendon College, St. Andrew High School for Girls, and Excelsior Community College.

Eighteen year-old Clarendon College student, Calese Benjamin, who attended with members of her Tourism Action Club, said she was grateful for the experience, noting that it was enjoyable and informative.