Delaying the event should generate robust in-person attendance

Jamaica’s premier tourism marketing trade show, Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), which was scheduled to take place from November 8-10, 2021 has been postponed.

The event, which was schedule to take place, as a hybrid in-person/virtual event has been rescheduled to early 2022. The tourism trade show is hosted annually by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) in association with the Jamaica Tourist Board.

JHTA President, Clifton Reader in a press release today next year’s rescheduled event “is expected to benefit from the opening up of global borders and the uptick in overseas travel after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“JAPEX has traditionally been an in-person event, however, the global pandemic had moved us to change its structure to a hybrid event,” explained Director of Tourism, Jamaica, Donovan White, in a press note.

However, it is the hope that by delaying the event, we may be able to generate robust in-person attendance for JAPEX when it takes place early next year. White added that demand for Jamaica’s tourism product remains strong and with Jamaica CARES health and safety protocols including the Resilient Corridors in place, it will allow for successful hosting of the event in the future. 

JAPEX is a forum for the island’s tourism industry partners and stakeholders to engage in prearranged business-to-business meetings with international buyers.

It provides opportunities for attendees to discover what’s new in Jamaica, strengthen business contacts and network to make new ones.

Hotels and resorts, transportation providers, tours and attractions all exhibit at the event, which attracts hundreds of international travel agents, wholesalers, and tour operators, as well as leading suppliers in the local tourist sector. Jamaica remains open for travel and continues to welcome visitors safely.

Its health and safety protocols were among the first to receive the World Travel & Tourism Council Safe Travels recognition that allowed the destination to safely reopen to travel in June 2020.

The island has also recently announced new cruise developments and ninety percent of planned tourist investments remaining on track.