Key Activities

JAPEX Linkages Event

The Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) trade fair is Jamaica’s tourism sector’s premier business generator event. It is jointly hosted by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and is usually held during the month of September.

The Tourism Linkages Hub works closely with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) to coordinate the participation of local producers of goods and services at the trade event.

At JAPEX, local suppliers not only showcase products and services but also participate in meetings with buyers in the tourism sector.

Christmas in July

Tourism Linkages Hub led this collaborative initiative with the JBDC, JMA, JAMPRO and JHTA to provide an opportunity for local producers of corporate gift and souvenir items to promote their products to alternate market segments.  The inaugural event was held in July 2015 and saw participating suppliers showcasing collections to select buyers from: the tourism sector, corporate Jamaica, government entities, embassies, missions and international organizations. See catalogue below.

Speed Networking

The Speed Networking Event is led by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC).

The primary objective of the event is to strengthen linkages and increase business between local suppliers and players in the tourism sector.

The inaugural event, held in the first quarter of 2015, was executed through the coordination of 15 minute appointments where suppliers were given the opportunity to make buyers in the tourism sector aware of the goods and services that they offer while also securing business deals.

Tourism Demand Study

One objective of the Tourism Linkages Hub is to increase market awareness and intelligence of the targeted sectors through research and analysis. Comprehensive research has been conducted to:

1. assess existing and potential demand for goods and services within the tourism sector

2. identify areas to be targeted in efforts to increase tourism linkages within the Jamaican economy. Funding for this activity has been funded by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF)

Agro-Tourism Farmers’ Markets

The Tourism Linkages Hub has provided support to Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) in the coordination and hosting of Agro-Tourism Farmers’ Markets in resort areas which creates and strengthens direct linkages between tourism sector entities and farmers. Since October 2013, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has also provided funding for the hosting of this activity in Negril and Montego Bay.