Tourism Enhancement Fund

 

The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) was established in 2005 to implement recommendations emanating from the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development (2002).

The Tourism Master Plan provides the framework in which TEF will fulfil its mandate of promoting growth and development in the tourism sector, encouraging better management of environmental resources in Jamaica, enhancing the country’s overall tourist experience, and providing for the sustainable development of the tourism sector.

In 2018, TEF was restructured to operate as a centre for innovation for tourism with responsibility for strategic and targeted projects that support key activities aimed at realizing growth targets.  The new model will see TEF expanding to include three new divisions:

1. Tourism Linkages Network (TLN): The primary objective of the TLN 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. 
2. Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI): The role of the JCTI is two-fold, first to facilitate the certification and licensure of Jamaicans working in tourism, and second, to facilitate innovation in the sector. The JCTI has collaborated with local and international organizations to fulfil its mandate, including the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information; the Ministry of Labour and Social Security; the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI); and the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
3. Craft Development Institute (CDI): Plans are in progress to establish a Craft Development Institute in collaboration with the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMC).  The CDI aims to grow the craft industry by providing training and certification to current and aspiring artisans, supporting the development of authentic Jamaican craft and protecting their work.

Board of Directors

• Honourable Godfrey Dyer, OJ, CD, JP – Chairman
• Mr. Joseph Issa, JP
• Mr. Marc Williams
• Ms. Barbara Beverly Russell
• Ms. Judy Schoenbein, JP
• Mr. Ian Dear, CD, JP
• Ambassador Marcia Gilbert-Roberts, CD, JP
• Ms. Carolyn Campbell, JP
• Mr. Donovan White
• Mr. Omar Robinson
• Mr. David Dobson, JP
• Mr. Ryan Parkes
• Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director, Tourism Enhancement Fund – ex officio