Portfolio minister Edmund Bartlett says that the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s (TEF) Speed Networking initiative has injected J$1 billion into Jamaica’s economy since its launch in 2016, as he addressed the programme’s 10th‑anniversary celebration on Thursday (March 13) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James.

The innovative programme – designed to connect Jamaica’s thriving tourism sector with local producers, manufacturers, and service providers – has transformed the business landscape for many Jamaican entrepreneurs through its signature 15‑minute business-to-business meeting format.

These focused sessions provide local businesses with the opportunity to pitch directly to key decision-makers from hotels and tourism enterprises.

“From the food on our visitors’ plates to the furniture in their rooms, each product represents a strand in the tapestry of our economy. What began with just a few sectors has blossomed into a showcase of Jamaican innovation spanning entertainment, manufacturing, agriculture, crafts, and technology,” Minister Bartlett noted in his virtual address.

Recent tourism ministry surveys demonstrate the programme’s success, with 94 per cent of participating hotels reporting satisfaction with the showcased products and 80 per cent of suppliers gaining valuable business connections.

Furthermore, Minister Bartlett emphasised that the billion‑dollar economic injection has directly benefited Jamaican citizens, strengthening local industries and promoting economic independence across the island.

For this year’s event, TEF included several enhancements, including professional development opportunities facilitated by the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI),  that fostered specialised training for human resource managers. An advanced digital matching platform further improved the efficiency of buyer‑supplier connections, maximising the value of each brief meeting.

Looking ahead, Bartlett outlined an ambitious vision for the Tourism Linkages Network, a department within the TEF, which is the key organiser of the event. He shared plans to develop comprehensive online platforms that facilitate year‑round business connections, prioritise eco‑friendly products and practices aligned with global sustainability trends, share the successful Speed Networking model with neighbouring Caribbean nations, and elevate Jamaican product standards to exceed international expectations.

Representatives from the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association, and Jamaica Business Development Corporation joined numerous hoteliers and local producers in celebrating a decade of successful collaboration. The event not only marked a significant milestone in fostering local economic growth. It also sets a promising stage for the future of Jamaica’s tourism and business sectors.