THE JAMAICA Product Exchange (JAPEX) trade show, where local tourism interests showcase their products to overseas tour operators, got under way yesterday with the suppliers of services far outnumbering those looking to purchase.
According to figures released by Aloun N'Dombet Assamba, the Tourism Minister, the show had 70 buyer-delegates registered, representing 45 overseas companies, compared to the 200 suppliers.
Assamba missed the opening ceremony, choosing to keep another commitment where she was scheduled to perform in concert. Her speech was delivered at a press conference two hours ahead of the show's opening.
The minister, in her speech, noted the new properties to come on stream, the 480-room Riu Resort in Negril and the 260-room Sandals Whitehouse (formerly Beaches Whitehouse) on the south coast. She said arrivals were up, signalling a rebounding of the industry from its fall-off two years ago.
