2009 Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) set for Ritz Carlton Rose Hall in Montego Bay, May 11-14

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s resort capital, Montego Bay, will host the 19th annual Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) from May 11-14, 2009.

This year’s theme is “Jamaica…It Happens Here” which embodies the exciting diversity of the destination’s products, including its business offerings, abundance of attractions, energetic nightlife, rich history and culture. Attendees will also participate in a new session this year which focuses on the emerging Latin American market and its role in the growth of Jamaica’s tourism.

Hosted by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), JAPEX offers the ideal forum for leading suppliers of the Jamaica tourism product to meet with travel wholesalers and tour operators from Europe and the Americas in a professionally organized business exchange.

New Market, New Focus

“This year’s event will have a special focus for our Latin American trade partners,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “With the Spanish investments in our tourism product, this makes us more attractive to that market and gives us an opportunity to meet and address this emerging market while sharing success stories. We want our local tourism partners to have direct interaction with the trade partners.”

Jamaica’s tourist industry has been undergoing a continuous process of growth and improvement, with new and expanded hotels, exciting new attractions, and enhancements from allied product and service providers. Extensive investment in major infrastructural improvements includes a new network of highways linking Jamaica’s major towns, plus expansion of both international airports and development of the cruise ship ports.

Noting that scores of indigenous properties have now completed extensive refurbishment and improvement programs, Wayne Cummings, President of JHTA said, “JAPEX will provide an ideal opportunity for attendees to see first-hand all the spectacular developments that are making Jamaica an even more desirable tourist destination.” Mr. Cummings added, “JAPEX delegates will also be impressed by many local brands, chains and independents in the various resorts that are helping to strengthen Jamaica’s position as a preferred destination for both leisure and business.”

In addition to the trade show, JAPEX also offers a variety of social activities, beginning with an official opening and welcome reception at the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall on Monday followed by Tuesday evening’s event, “A White Nite Island Fantasy” on Sandals Cay, the private island at Sandals Royal Caribbean.

For more information on JAPEX or to register, go to www.jhta.org/japex.htm.