Tourism Minister Announces May 26 Deadline for Christmas in July Trade Show Applications

Jamaica Tourism Minister encouraging local manufacturers and artisans to participate in the annual Christmas in July event.

This showcase, organized by the Ministry of Tourism through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), provides a valuable platform for small and medium-sized entities to display their locally made gifts and souvenir items to various market segments.

“Locally produced goods play an integral role in the growth and sustainability of Jamaica’s tourism industry. Our visitors are always seeking unique, authentic experiences and products, and our local manufacturers and artisans have abundant talent and creativity to offer,” said Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

“I, therefore, urge all our talented artisans and manufacturers to register today for the Christmas in July event, where they can showcase their unique Jamaican gifts and souvenir items to a diverse range of market segments,” he added.

“Let’s continue to highlight the beauty and ingenuity of Jamaica’s local products and take our tourism industry to new heights.”

To participate in this exciting opportunity, interested individuals can conveniently access the user-friendly application form directly on the TEF website at www.tef.gov.jm by May 26, 2023. The goods may fall under desktop solutions, spa and aromatherapy, décor, clothing, fine art, jewelry, souvenirs, food, and products created from organic and natural fibers.

Products submitted by potential exhibitors for the trade show will undergo evaluation, assessment, and, if necessary, suggestion. They are selected based on design and aesthetics, labelling and tagging, pricing, product relevance, already-existing market outlets, durability, construction, packaging and accessories, functionality, cultural affinity, and product spectrum.

Christmas in July’ is a collaborative effort of the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, and its partners, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA).

The main goal of the event is to enhance the consumption of locally competitively sourced goods and services while simultaneously generating jobs and the opportunity for the country to earn foreign exchange. It also aims to build and reinforce enduring ties between tourism and other economically productive sectors—such as industry, entertainment, and agriculture—with which it is closely entwined.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alyssa Taffe

Communications and Public Relations Officer

Tourism Enhancement Fund

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: 1(876)908-5970/Ext: 5721

Cell: 1-876-441-5055