Government of Jamaica
The First Leg of the Licencing Expo Kicks Off in Ocho Rios
Kingston, June 7, 2023 – The Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) is staging its 2023 Licencing Expo formerly dubbed ‘Bring Your Application Day’ in six resort areas across the island set to kick off on Friday, June 9 at the Hibiscus Lodge Hotel in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
The TPDCo Licencing Expo is an unmissable opportunity for tourism operators, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to navigate the licencing process with ease and efficiency. This rebranded event aims to streamline and highlight the licencing process as well as the benefits available to licenced entities. The Expo seeks to support the increase in industry compliance and adherence to regulatory standards, ensuring the sustainability and quality of Jamaica’s tourism product. Last in order, the expo provides a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing all in one stop, fostering a stronger relationship between TPDCo, the regulatory agencies and our tourism stakeholders.
According to the Executive Director of TPDCo, Wade Mars, “The TPDCO Licencing Expo serves as a catalyst for fostering a vibrant and compliant tourism industry. By simplifying the licencing process, providing guidance, and encouraging collaboration, we aim to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive while upholding quality standards”.
“Applicants will have the chance to engage with representatives of TPDCo and the Ministry of Tourism, gain insights into licencing requirements, and receive hands-on support to complete their applications on-site” Mr. Mars added.
This year’s staging will provide greater support to the industry including personalized consultations with partnering agencies such as JN Small Business Loan, EXIM Bank, the Development Bank of Jamaica, the Public Health Department, Fire Department among others to address specific licencing needs, queries, and benefits. Among the benefits of being licenced is also the opportunity to benefit from the tourism workers’ pension scheme, advertising on the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) website and accessing competitive financial facilities.
Following the Ocho Rios leg, the event will be moving across the island with its next staging to be held at the Hotel Tim Bamboo, Portland, on June 15 then off to Bred’s Sports Complex, St. Elizabeth on June 22 and the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Kingston on June 29. This will then culminate at Royalton Hotel in Negril on July 18 and at Montego Bay Convention Centre, Montego Bay on July 20.