THE TOURISM Product Development Company (TPDCo.) yesterday launched its Tourism for Prosperity Entrepreneurship Drive (TPED), a new programme aimed at stimulating the development of small businesses as part of efforts to further propel growth in the tourism sector.
Audrey Marks, chairman of the TPDCo., said the aim of the drive was to "get more Jamaicans involved in business activities related to tourism to generate income for themselves and advance the process of diversifying the island's tourism offerings to enhance the product."
She said the TPED was developed to further the objectives of the proposed Tourism Master Plan by diversifying the tourism product while at the same time ensuring the involvement of Jamaicans interested in developing businesses in this area.
FORMULATED FOR MOTIVATION
Aloun Assamba, Minister of Industry and Tourism, said the programme was formulated to "motivate the many active, as well as latent, entrepreneurs among us to find opportunities in our dynamic hospitality industry."
She said: "We want Jamaicans with ideas for participating in the business of tourism to know that help is available and that they do not have to go it alone in this fiercely competitive market."
Ms. Marks pointed out that there were untapped potential in traditional areas such as ecological and nature-based tourism, as well as cultural and heritage based attractions, especially on the island's south coast.
"I encourage persons who live in communities which have a rich history, or a connection to historical figures or which have unique natural attractions, to come in to TPDCo. for assistance for the conceptualising and development of these projects," she said.
About the initiative
UNDER THE TPED, interested individuals, organisations and communities with feasible business plans will be able to gain access to expertise in product development, new business development, and specialised services, as well as funding.
Dr. Wykeham McNeill, State Minister of Industry and Tourism, said a grant of $10 million had been set aside to help with funding.
The Tourism Ministry has forged partnerships with agencies such as the TPDCo., the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC), the Micro Investment Development Agency (MIDA), the Self-Start Fund, the HEART Trust/NTA, the Jamaica Promotions Agency (JAMPRO) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) to facilitate the execution of the programme.
