KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, June 23, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and proudly Jamaican tourism industry—one that links every citizen to national prosperity. In his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation delivered in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 17, Minister Bartlett highlighted the remarkable strides made by the Tourism Linkages Network (TLN), a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), especially in driving agricultural growth through the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) platform.
“We are not engaging in political rhetoric or making empty promises,” Minister Bartlett declared. “We are referring to concrete actions, measurable results, and transformational initiatives that connect our primary industry to the broader economy,” he added.
Among the most tangible results is the resounding success of ALEX, an innovative digital platform that connects local farmers directly with hotels and other tourism entities, eliminating the middleman and streamlining the farm-to-table supply chain. As of April 2025, the platform has already generated J$100 million for farmers this year alone, after facilitating over J$450 million worth of produce sales, amounting to approximately 3 million kilograms, in 2024.
“These figures represent more than statistics. They represent economic empowerment for our farmers who now have guaranteed markets, a reduction in foreign exchange leakage, enhanced food security, and sustainable agricultural practices aligned with tourism demand,” the Minister noted. Currently, approximately 2,000 farmers are registered on ALEX. However, the impact of tourism on agriculture extends far beyond the platform. “Many more billions are made via other arrangements involving small, medium, and large farmers and entities,” Minister Bartlett emphasized.
In addition to the success of ALEX, the Ministry, through TEF, is advancing strategic agricultural partnerships through initiatives like the Community Farming Project, which supports the cultivation of lime and lemon trees in seven parishes. The project targets direct demand from the tourism sector, where citrus is essential in cuisine, beverages, and aromatherapy experiences for visitors.
Minister Bartlett also highlighted the Ministry’s swift response to recent climate challenges. Following the impact of Hurricane Beryl and prolonged rainfall on key farming operations, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) provided support to farmers participating in their Strawberry Project. This included providing protective greenhouses, replacement infrastructure, and planting materials, reinforcing resilience in the face of extreme weather and supply chain shocks.
“The work of the Tourism Linkages Network stands as a cornerstone of our strategy. Tourism is deeply interconnected with nearly every sector of the economy. The multiplier effect is real and powerful,” Bartlett said. He explained that tourism currently contributes to 15 per cent of construction, 10 per cent of banking and finance, 20 per cent of manufacturing, and 21 per cent of utilities, agriculture, and fisheries. This interconnectedness, the tourism minister argued, underscores why the government remains “laser focused on deepening tourism linkages” and “owning the supply side of the industry.”
