KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Tourism officials say the sector will benefit significantly from the anticipated Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) exposition underway on Monday at the Montego Bay Convention Center, south of here.
The three-day JAPEX, the premier trade event of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), is the most critical business generator for the island’s tourism industry.
The event brings together wholesalers, tour operators, travel agents, and Jamaica’s leading tourism suppliers to conduct business negotiations.
Speaking at the launch of the event on the weekend, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said JAPEX is a platform for collaboration and innovation, where partnerships are formed and dreams realized.
“This year’s event holds even more significance, as it follows a period of unparalleled challenges for the global travel tourism industry. The pandemic tested our collective resolve but also reinforced our resilience,” Bartlett said, noting that JAPEX 2023 is more than just a trade show; “it is a symbol of our recovery.
“It highlights the unwavering spirit of the Jamaican people, who have stood together and supported one another through thick and thin. It is an opportunity for us to showcase our innovation, commitment to sustainability and dedication to preserving our natural treasures for generations to come,” Bartlett said.
He said that the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has committed to executing a ‘Hosted New Buyers Programme,” describing it as “an exciting innovation that will secure participation from several key airlines and wholesale partners and create inbound travel traffic and create partnership opportunities from Eastern Europe, India, Latin America, and the Middle East.”
JHTA President Robin Russell said more than 200 delegates have registered for JAPEX, including 102 buyer delegates, two global media companies, and 132 supplier delegates.
He said that 20 countries are being represented, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, France, India, Italy, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Mexico, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.
“We will showcase our beautiful island via tours, video presentations, destination updates, and receptions and parties. The JHTA is grateful for the support and cooperation of our main partners, the Ministry of Tourism and the Jamaica Tourist Board,” Russell said.
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