JAPEX conference kicks off today
published: Sunday | April 23, 2006

Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

As casual as the stipulated dress code is, several serious negotiations will take centre stage at the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) 2006 which kicks off later today in Negril.

The event, which will be opened officially by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller at Margaritaville, is being staged from April 23 - 25 for the first time in the 'Capital of Casual'.

Mrs. Simpson Miller is expected to speak on the event's importance to Jamaica, the noticeable absence of a significant number of European tour operators, and her aspirations for the thriving industry.

Approximately 600 delegates will attend the event over the two-day period. This group includes 140 American travel agents being flown in specifically for the occasion. The 80 heavyweight buyers that have registered includes Internet giants Expedia, Hotwire and Travelocity and traditional tour operators Go-Go Worldwide, My Travel, Travel Impression, Air Jamaica Vacations, Classic Custom and Virgin Holidays.

"I am anticipating very lively business sessions. There is a full programme of appointments which I am sure will be fully exploited," an elated Horace Peterkin, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) told The Sunday Gleaner. According to the JHTA head, although the event is not easily quantified, it represents 15-20 per cent of the island's annual business.

This year, three new tour operators have registered from Switzerland, Russia and Colombia. "The Russian Republic and Colombia are keen on opening up their markets to Jamaica," disclosed Mr. Peterkin.

POTENTIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS

He noted that all the tour operators attending are either existing or potential business partners for the small, medium size and new hotels not currently in their programme, adding that it has been proven that JAPEX is an excellent investment especially for the smaller operators that are not able to attend the large international trade shows like ITB in Germany and the World Travel Market in the U.K.

"The real benefit is that these tour operators are coming into our own backyard where they are able to experience our hotels, our road networks, new attractions and the warmth of the Jamaican people," he added.

Although the focus is Negril, a number of the tour operators are already on the island inspecting the other resort areas such as Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

Created in 1990, JAPEX, a collaboration of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association and Jamaica Tourist Board, is the island's premier hospitality and tourism trade show.