KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica's government is urging local manufacturers and artisans to seize the opportunity to participate in the annual Christmas in July event, saying it provides a valuable platform for small and medium-sized entities to display their locally made gifts and souvenir items to various market segments.
The event is being organized by the Ministry of Tourism through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, said “locally produced goods play an integral role in the growth and sustainability of Jamaica’s tourism industry.
“Our visitors are always seeking unique, authentic experiences and products, and our local manufacturers and artisans have abundant talent and creativity to offer.
“I, therefore, urge all our talented artisans and manufacturers to register today for the Christmas in July event, where they can showcase their unique Jamaican gifts and souvenir items to a diverse range of market segments. Let’s continue to highlight the beauty and ingenuity of Jamaica’s local products and take our tourism industry to new heights,” he added.
The organizers said that to participate in the event, manufacturers and artisans may provide goods that fall under desktop solutions, spa and aromatherapy, décor, clothing, fine art, jewelry, souvenirs, food, and products created from organic and natural fibers.
Christmas in July’ is a collaborative effort of the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, and its partners, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA).
The main goal of the event is to enhance the consumption of locally competitively sourced goods and services while simultaneously generating jobs and the opportunity for the country to earn foreign exchange.
It also aims to build and reinforce enduring ties between tourism and other economically productive sectors—such as industry, entertainment, and agriculture—with which it is closely entwined.
