Growth & Jobs | JAMPRO urges local suppliers to adopt strategic business practices

THE JAMAICA Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, is urging local suppliers to take a strategic approach to doing business with tourism buyers, emphasising consistent supply of their goods and services.

At a recently held Multisectoral Linkage Forum hosted by JAMPRO in Trelawny, Manager for the Tourism and Linkages Department at JAMPRO, Carol Straw, noted that tourism buyers are actively sourcing local suppliers to meet sustainable demands, but cautions against overpromising on supply capabilities.

“If you (supplier) don’t have the capacity, don’t go after a giant that has 1,000 rooms, and you can’t supply them on a consistent basis. Instead, start by focusing on quality and consistent supply, matching yourself with one of the smaller boutique hotels that may have a demand for your goods or services. Take a strategic view of developing yourself for the larger customer,” she said.

Straw went on to say that suppliers working to increase their capacity should obtain the requisite certifications. She emphasised that this would support their efforts when determining a method for expansion while remaining competitive.

Buyers were also encouraged to be fair in negotiations with clear expectations from suppliers.

“At JAMPRO, we aim to support our suppliers. Once we know their capacity, we will match them with the right buyer to ensure there is mutual satisfaction,” she added.

Acting Vice-President of the Investment and Linkages Division, Gail Barrett, highlighted tourism’s economic impact, noting the sector contributed 11.9 per cent to GDP in 2023. During the period, 4.1 million visitors arrived on the island, accounting for $4.3 billion in visitor expenditures. She noted that this number is expected to grow as more hotels continue their expansion projects within the sector and buy local goods and services.

Barrett underscored that JAMPRO’s continued collaboration with other government stakeholders is focused on improving the quality and a consistent supply of locally produced goods in the sector.

JAMPRO’s Linkages Programme complements work being done by the Ministry of Tourism, which oversees the country’s Linkages Network, both aimed at encouraging consumers and buyers to purchase more local goods and services. This effort aims to decrease the country’s import bill, increase employment and by extension, grow the economy. Major tourism linkage opportunities reside in the agriculture and food production, craft and souvenir, community, health and wellness, talent/professional services and the manufacturing sectors.

JAMPRO remains committed to fostering local linkages, while facilitating export-led investment projects. Stakeholders are engaged to contact the agency at info@dobusinessjamaica.com for further information on its business matchmaking services, as well as upcoming local linkage forums.