Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
BOTH SMALL and large hoteliers are reporting tremendous success after two days of negotiations with more than 80 international tour operators at the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) in Negril, Westmoreland.
The event, which closed Wednesday, has been tagged the 'best ever' by the hundreds of tourism stakeholders who attended.
"The tour operators who came to Negril were serious about business, and it manifested itself during the meetings," said Wayne Cummings, president of the Negril Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and general manager of the Negril Gardens Hotel.
"I am particularly happy for the small hoteliers who cannot afford to attend the larger trade shows, such as the World Travel Market in the U.K. and ITB in Germany," he added.
Like Mr. Cummings, Ingrid Foote, owner of the 30-room Foote Prints Hotel, was upbeat about the leading marketing event. Miss Foote said it was customary for her property to get 50 per cent of its annual business from JAPEX and that her prospects were even more encouraging this year.
GOOD MILEAGE
"I got very good mileage, because I did my homework by making contact with the tour operators prior to the event," she boasted.
Readily divulging the secret to her success, she told The Gleaner that it was important for suppliers to make appointments with the buyers long in advance of the trade show. "I can't afford to go to the larger shows, so when the tour operators come into my backyard I must make sure they see my product."
Two years ago, when the event was held at Half Moon Rose Hall, the 80-member Unique Jamaica, which represents small- and medium-sized hotels, tour guides, ground handlers and restaurants, launched their unique and innovative product.
After two days of meetings, that groups' chairman Millicent Lynch has described the show as 'tremendous'.
Ms. Lynch, is also the executive manager of Caymanas Track Limited, said: "We made great links with some major tour operators and because of the diversity of our group members, the interest varied."
Over the two days that the meeting took place, some 600 delegates, representing 53 buyer and 81 supplier companies, plus 150 travel agents and trade press, were in attendance.
JAPEX is organised by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association and the Jamaica Tourist Board.
