Bartlett urges crafts vendors, ground transport operators to embrace change

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the government remains committed to building the capacity of local service providers across the industry through the provision of training and certification opportunities.

Bartlett says he hopes this will encourage upward mobility.
 
The minister, who was addressing craft vendors and ground transport operators during a recent meeting at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James, noted that the tourism sector is rapidly changing worldwide.

As a result, he said they need to be aware of the changes and equip themselves with the tools needed to adapt in a successful way.
 
“I can assure you that my ministry will provide assistance needed to be competitive in the increasing globalised world. We have provided a loan facility through the EXIM bank at competitive rates which you have access to as business owners, and we will also be assisting you directly to market your products and services,” he said. 
 
Bartlett noted, too, that marketing assistance would be available through the soon to be launched, fully-integrated Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) website, which will showcase small and medium tourism enterprises across the island. 

According to him, the site will be powered by Google and have a data-rich social media-integrated digital platform. It will also revolve on a single axis that provides real-time access and content to tour operators and travel agents globally.
 
“It is important for local suppliers to the tourism industry be equipped to compete as the industry is transforming rapidly in this new digital age. We cannot fear the changes already taking place all over the world. We must be responsive and adaptive in order to maintain a competitive edge and have a lucrative business. We will provide as much guidance as we can and create the opportunities,” he said. 
 
The tourism minister also revealed that the artisan villages being developed will provide much-needed support to Jamaica’s craft and artisan industry.

He said the villages will be marketed directly to the cruise-ships and visitors will have the option to visit and purchase authentic craft items. The move also serves to reduce the volume of imported craft items that are being sold in the industry.
 
The creation of artisan villages is an initiative being driven by the Tourism Product Development Company. The first village will be located at the Hampden Wharf in Falmouth and will accommodate 18 shops along 540 square metres.
 
The minister also encouraged the members of the craft and ground transportation subsectors to take advantage of training opportunities available through the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI). 
 
“We recently had over 150 hospitality workers graduate from our JCTI training programme. This is an avenue you can also pursue, or other members of your family, to receive international certification,” he said. 
  
The meeting forms part of a wider sensitisation programme by the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies to connect with all groups which directly impact the tourism industry locally. 

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