By Janet Silvera, Gleaner WriterWESTERN BUREAU:
A RECORD high number of overseas buyer-delegates and Jamaican suppliers have registered for the 15th annual Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), which is taking place at the Half Moon Hotel, Montego Bay, from May 2 to 4.
According to tourism officials, the trade show, which has become the island's largest single marketing event, has attracted 107 buyer-delegates representing 67 companies and 258 supplier-delegates from 87 companies. The numbers, they say, show a 25 per cent increase in attendance, with some buyers travelling to Jamaica from as far away as Russia and Denmark.
"The presence here of buyers from overseas is critical to our Jamaican suppliers," Aloun N'dombet Assamba, Minister of Industry and Tourism, told the large gathering at the opening ceremony on Sunday night. She said the buyers would be shown what the country was doing to meet and exceed the expectations of vacationers.
Mrs. Assamba, in highlighting what she called the Government's commitment to the sector, said that "considerable emphasis is being placed on expanding both the physical capacity and technical capabilities to serve the ever-widening niches in the global tourism business."
"At the most basic level we are ensuring, through training and education, that our people are equipped to perform admirably at all levels of the industry," she said.
She explained that "JAPEX offers the ideal forum for leading suppliers of the Jamaican tourism product to meet with travel wholesalers and tour operators worldwide in an organised business exchange."
The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) said it was concentrating on steadily expanding the Jamaican product with a focus on four main brand values: beautiful designs, distinct cultural identity, stimulation and excitement for guests, and genuine hospitality.
"We seem to have found the winning formula... Jamaica is at an exciting stage right now," boasted Godfrey Dyer, president of the JHTA.
He said the country had diversified its offerings with the expansion in facilities and services, catering to niche markets like conventions, weddings and sport events.
"Already, the group and convention market is growing momentum," he said. "The next two days are important to us all. The Jamaican suppliers are ready to sell their hotel rooms, allied products and services and the overseas buyers are equally eager to match the needs to their customers."
JAPEX is sponsored by the JHTA and the Jamaica Tourist Board, and is supported by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA). Created in 1990, it is supported by Jamaican organisations which are involved in the development of the island's tourism.
