TPDCo celebrates excellence in tourism

Barrington Payne

In a salute to excellence, Jamaica's tourism players will be given national recognition for their contribution to the industry by achieving high operational standards, when the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) hosts its first Tourism Industry and Merit Awards today, at Rose Hall Resort and Country Club in Montego Bay.

Operators in key areas of accommodations, transportation, attractions, craft and watersports will be selected for a prestigious slate of awards that will be used as a hallmark of excellence in operating standards in the industry.

keynote address

Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, Mr. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, will deliver the keynote address at the function, which will be attended by tourism officials as well as officials from umbrella tourism agencies and other support organisations.

Armed with a mandate to develop and transform the industry, TPDCo has been giving structure to and has introduced operating systems as well as provided skills training for the industry since its inception ten years ago. Among the awardees will be those entities, which have been successful in achieving international benchmark awards such as Green Globe, Blue Flag and International Organisa-tion for Standardisation (ISO).

Jamaica ranks high in international tourism circles as a prime destination for visitors, and has been given 'thumbs up' as a leading destination, especially from visitors from the United States - Jamaica's primary tourism market.

Executive Director (Actg.) of TPDCo, Barrington Payne, is of the view that, "The company has made a significant impact on the development and maintenance of high standards of excellence within the tourism industry. The continued success of various tourism entities in winning major international travel awards is a testimony to TPDCo's hard work and the quality of Jamaica's product offerings. We are indeed proud of our achievements over the last ten years."