Government of Jamaica
It is refreshing to focus on the commemoration of a milestone anniversary for the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo). This year, the organization celebrates their 25th year under the theme “TPDCo… commemorating 25 years of sustaining Jamaica’s tourism product.”
It would be remiss of me if I did not begin by expressing heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to the management, staff, partners, and stakeholders of the TPDCo. The organization, on this their 25th anniversary has remained resilient and a consistent reminder of the hard work that keeps the tourism sector going.
Twenty-five years is noteworthy and signals the perseverance, quality of work that is being produced by the organization, and the continued impact of TPDCo’s programmes on the Jamaican people.
Since opening its doors in 1996, the organization has seen a quarter century of progress and has weathered difficult storms as well. Nonetheless, they have stood firm in the face of adversity, with the goal of maintaining a high product and ensuring destination Jamaica remains a top-of-mind experience for our visitors.
The company also stays true to its dedication to improve the well being of Jamaicans with a diverse range of programmes. Most importantly, they have injected much energy in ensuring that the human resource is effectively developed, as this remains critical in this highly interactive industry.
Time and time again, we have seen how their trainings and skills enhancing projects have allowed our service providers to tap into their full potential and from these we have seen entrepreneurs and employees become better versions of themselves.
The company is also keen on quality, thereby the certification and licensing process for tourism businesses, in which they play a crucial part, allows us to feel confident that our entities are operating at world standards and visitors and locals alike receive the best care possible.
It takes great effort to keep up with the happenings of the sector. In this fast-paced industry, there are many areas to consider, several of which are covered by this organization. They work behind the scenes to ensure that we have a product that we are proud to put on display, and one that will remain timeless.
They have been engaged in several infrastructural developments over the years, the maintenance and beautification of our resort areas, Community Tourism has grown through their stewardship and several natural, cultural and heritage assets have been unearthed, adding to Jamaica’s stock of diverse and exciting experiences. They have taken on the increasingly challenging role of safeguarding our destination through partnerships to ensure a secure, safe, and seamless experience for all who come to enjoy our beautiful island.
They have been prudent in the management of the tourism product and this can be seen as well through their recent robust response to the sector’s needs during the on-going covid -19 pandemic. Over twenty-five years they have been agile, they have been innovative and tenacious. TPDCo has indeed played its part well, in advancing the welfare of this most vital industry which puts bread and butter on the tables of thousands of our citizens.
As we reset the tourism industry, “building forward – stronger,” this organization will continue to play a major role in the scheme of things.
I lift my hat to TPDCo, to its many stalwarts who have made their contributions through the years, and those who unselfishly continue to serve to impact the Jamaican people, our region, and the world at large.