Manufacturers stand to benefit from Christmas in July Tradeshow - says Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 22, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has issued an open call for manufacturers of locally produced corporate gifts to apply for the Tourism Linkages Network’s annual Christmas in July tradeshow, by Friday May 25, 2018.

“Christmas in July is an important initiative which offers support to our very talented local manufacturers. We give them a platform to market their goods which are unique corporate gifts. They will have the opportunity to showcase their goods to key tourism stakeholders, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Diaspora, and Mega-Corporate companies,” said Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

“This year the Tourism Linkages Network will continue to push the envelope, by encouraging the use of more innovative products that will help to ensure that Jamaicans own the consumption side of tourism,” he further stated.  

The event, which is hosted in partnership with Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), seeks to provide Jamaican producers of corporate gifts and souvenir products with the opportunity to access a market segment while adding uniqueness and creativity to product offerings.

Shortlisted applicants from this open call will be invited to attend an assessment session following which an evaluation and final selection will be conducted. 

All products have to be made with materials sourced locally, proven to be at least 70 per cent locally manufactured or assembled highlighting strong Jamaican cultural influences and themes ranked favourably in accordance with the guidelines stipulated.

“The Christmas in July initiative is very crucial in helping my Ministry achieve its target of tackling the leakages in the economy and by extension create inclusive growth by the provision of jobs, which will lead to increased earning, consumption, tax revenues and the ability to better pay our debts,” said the Minister.

Head of the Tourism Linkages Network, Carolyn McDonald-Riley, shared that this year the Network is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this is the most successful event of its kind to date.

“We have revisited the Christmas in July concept this year and are ensuring that innovation is the primary theme. We are heartened by the response so far and are encouraging our local manufacturers to continue to push the envelope with their products,” she said.

The application form is accessible at the Ministry of Tourism’s website at www.mot.gov.jm or its partners’ websites: www.jbdc.net; www.jma.com.jm and www.jamaicatradeandinvest.org.