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Major Speed Networking Event to Strengthen Linkages Between Tourism and Other Sectors

Release Date: 
Monday, February 16, 2015 - 14:00

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: January 26, 2015 – In its continued bid to strengthen the linkages between the tourism industry and other sectors of the economy, the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment’s Tourism Linkages Hub is collaborating with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) and other partner entities to host the first ever Linkages Speed Networking event. The session will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at the Half Moon, A RockResort, in Montego Bay.

The innovative networking event will entail a series of fifteen-minute meetings between Managing Directors, General Managers and CEOs of local companies which supply products and services and owners as well as Managers of properties, restaurants, attractions and other tourism entities. Additional representatives from core areas within the hotel’s operation such as Purchasing, Food and Beverage, Housekeeping, Maintenance and Guest Services, who are in a position to make purchasing decisions, will also be in attendance.

“The initiative is in keeping with our ongoing efforts to improve the linkages between tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and other sectors of the economy to increase business with local suppliers of goods and services,” said Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, the Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill. “We are very pleased to be able to provide this opportunity to local business interests.  The strengthening of linkages between tourism and other sectors will help us to build a more lucrative industry which will benefit more Jamaicans,” he added.

Some 50 hotels and 80 businesses offering a wide range of goods and services will participate in the networking event, including suppliers of craft, toiletries and guest amenities, chemicals and cleaning products, cosmetic and spa products, furniture, bedding, food and beverage, uniforms, printing and packaging, construction, training, ICT, electrical, entertainment, meat and fresh produce.

The other entities which are partnering to host the speed networking event are the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC).

Chairman of the Tourism Linkages Council, Donavon Perkins pointed out that the event is “an outstanding opportunity for hoteliers, restaurateurs and attractions to place orders, discuss contracts and prices and other areas of interest with the producers and suppliers of a range of critical products and services used by the tourism industry.  It will also give them a chance to learn about the many novel and high quality products now being produced in Jamaica and we hope more of our local products and services will ultimately be used within the sector.”