KINGSTON, Jamaica – Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the Jamaican economy has received a one billion dollar boost through the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s (TEF) Speed Networking initiative since its launch in 2016.
Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) executive director Dr. Carey Wallace (right) shares a moment with industry leaders (from left) Sydney Thwaites, President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association; Robin Russell, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association; Carolyn McDonald-Riley, Director of TEF’s Tourism Linkages Network; and Clifton Reader, Vice President of Palace Resorts for Jamaica and Turks and Caicos during the 10th anniversary celebration .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 provide local businesses with the opportunity 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, with 94 per cent of participating hotels reporting satisfaction with the showcased products and 80 per cent of suppliers gaining valuable business connections.
Bartlett said that the billion-dollar economic injection has directly benefited Jamaican citizens, strengthening local industries and promoting economic 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 that will facilitate year-round business connections, prioritize eco-friendly products and practices aligned with global sustainability trends.
He said the plans also including sharing the successful Speed Networking model with neighboring Caribbean countries, and elevate 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 that the event not only marked a significant milestone in fostering local economic growth but also set a promising stage for the future of Jamaica’s tourism and business sectors.
