KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC—Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the Jamaican economy has received a one-billion-dollar (One Jamaica dollar = US$0.008 cents) boost through the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s (TEF) Speed Networking initiative since its launch in 2016.
Addressing the 10th-anniversary celebration at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on the north-west end of the island, Bartlett said that the initiative, which was designed to connect Jamaica’s thriving tourism sector with local producers, manufacturers, and service providers, has transformed the business landscape for many Jamaican entrepreneurs through its signature 15-minute meeting format.
He said these focused sessions allow local businesses to pitch directly to key decision-makers from hotels and tourism enterprises.
“From the food on our visitors’ plates to the furniture in their rooms, each product represents a strand in the tapestry of our economy. What began with just a few sectors has blossomed into a showcase of Jamaican innovation spanning entertainment, manufacturing, agriculture, crafts, and technology,” Bartlett said in his virtual address to the ceremony.
Recent surveys by the Ministry of Tourism reflect the program’s success. Ninety-four percent of participating hotels reported satisfaction with the showcased products, and 80 percent of suppliers gained valuable business connections.
Bartlett said the billion-dollar economic injection has benefited Jamaican citizens, strengthened local industries, and promoted financial independence across the island.
This year’s event featured several enhancements, including professional development opportunities facilitated by the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI), which provided specialized training for Human Resource managers. An advanced digital matching platform further improved the efficiency of buyer-supplier connections, maximizing the value of each brief meeting.
Looking towards the future, Bartlett outlined an ambitious vision for the Tourism Linkages Network, detailing plans to develop comprehensive online platforms to facilitate year-round business connections and prioritize eco-friendly products and practices aligned with global sustainability trends.
He said the plans also include sharing the successful Speed Networking model with neighboring Caribbean countries and elevating Jamaican product standards to exceed international expectations.
Representatives from the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association, and Jamaica Business Development Corporation joined numerous hoteliers and local producers in celebrating the anniversary.
The organizers said the event marked a significant milestone in fostering local economic growth and set a promising stage for the future of Jamaica’s tourism and business sectors.
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