Since its inception in 2005, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has been a catalyst of inclusive growth within the tourism sector, supporting programmes and projects that facilitate infrastructural growth and human capital development. As we observe Tourism Awareness Week from September 26 to October 2, we take a look back at some of TEF’s major milestones while we look ahead to the future.
In 2018, TEF was restructured to operate as a centre of innovation for tourism, with responsibility for strategic and targeted initiatives that support key activities aimed at realising growth targets. To achieve this, TEF was expanded to include the Tourism Linkages Network (TLN), Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI) and the Craft Development Institute (CDI).
The TLN has paved the way for tourism to be developed in an inclusive manner through its five networks: gastronomy; health & wellness; sports and entertainment; shopping and knowledge, as well as its agriculture and manufacturing technical working groups. Through a slate of innovative initiatives such as the Christmas in July trade show and Speed Networking Events, more local suppliers of goods and services — including farmers and artisans — have been brought into the tourism value chain and are reaping the benefits of the tourism industry.
Through the JCTI, services within the sector have been enhanced with the training and certification of tourism workers, thereby improving the service delivery standard in the industry and boosting the competitiveness of our destination.
This goal of professionalism and craftsmanship is also being promoted in the craft industry through the CDI which will oversee the innovative Artisan Village in Falmouth, and the others to be established in other resort areas.
In the area of product enhancement, the work of the TEF is also highly visible through such major projects as partnering with the Port Authority of Jamaica and the Urban Development Corporation in improving the aesthetics of Ocho Rios to give it greater appeal as a resort town and transforming downtown Montego Bay’s seascape with the creation of the Harmony Beach Park.
These are just a few of the many projects in TEF’s portfolio that exemplify its role as an engine of growth and inclusion as it seeks to foster the sustainable development of our all-important tourism sector.
~ Dr Carey Wallace, Executive Director, Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF)
