Jamaica’s Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and Carnival Corporation & plc joined forces to host a successful Sourcing Readiness Forum on September 23-24, 2024, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. This pivotal event underscored Carnival’s long-standing commitment to Jamaica while showcasing the potential for growth within the country’s tourism industry.
The forum brought together a carefully curated group of local suppliers, ranging from small enterprises and farmers to larger consolidators and distributors, all identified by the TEF’s Tourism Linkages Network. These businesses presented products aligned with Carnival Corporation’s needs, showcasing a diverse range of offerings.
Attendees presented a spectrum of goods, including frozen foods, fresh agricultural produce, authentic Jamaican culinary delights like sauces, seasonings, rums, chocolates, teas, and coffees, as well as artisanal creations like woodcrafts, handmade jewelry, and candles, reflecting Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond supporting Carnival Corporation’s operational needs, this initiative aimed to stimulate local economic growth, highlighting the crucial link between tourism and various national sectors.
Javonté Anyabwelé, Vice President of Strategic Sourcing at Carnival Corporation, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the company’s sourcing requirements. He emphasized their desire to explore the diverse range of products Jamaica has to offer, particularly those reflecting the country’s unique cultural identity, which could enhance the guest experience.
The Sourcing Readiness Forum featured an informative session with influential speakers addressing the critical importance of strengthening connections within the tourism sector.
Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding attendees through the program. Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals & Beaches Resorts and Chairman of the Tourism Linkages Council, delivered a compelling keynote address emphasizing the vital role of linkages in promoting inclusivity within the tourism industry. Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government & Destination Affairs at Carnival Corporation, shared insights into the company’s strategic vision for the region, highlighting the potential for collaborative growth.
Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, further enriched the session, emphasizing the government’s dedication to fostering a thriving tourism environment. Collectively, these speakers reinforced the forum’s objective of enhancing partnerships, creating a more inclusive tourism landscape, and contributing to the sustainable development of Jamaica’s vibrant tourism sector.
Minister Bartlett stressed the importance of Jamaica’s role in meeting the growing global demand for tourism experiences, highlighting the projected $17.3 billion opportunity by 2033. He emphasized the need for Jamaican businesses to be at the heart of tourism supply arrangements, thanking Carnival for opening doors to new possibilities for Jamaican suppliers.
Following the informative session, the forum facilitated two days of personalized meetings between Anyabwelé and potential suppliers. These one-on-one discussions aimed to identify Jamaican businesses capable of supplying Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines, focusing on products meeting the company’s stringent quality and quantity standards.
This sourcing forum not only provided local enterprises with a pathway to the global cruise market but also reinforced Jamaica’s role as a central hub for other Caribbean nations. The initiative highlighted the collaborative efforts of key Jamaican organizations, including the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the Ministry of Tourism, and various stakeholders.
The event marked a significant advancement in Carnival Corporation’s commitment to diversifying its supply chain while simultaneously bolstering local and regional economies within its operating areas.
