TPDCO PROVIDES SPONSORSHIP FOR
JAMAICA INTERNATIONAL INVITATION TRACK MEET
The Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPD-
Co) has jumped on board to provide support for the Jamaica
International Invitational Track Meet (JIIM). The sponsorship
which is valued at 1.3 million dollars includes accommoda-
tion for the visiting athletes, signage at the event and craft
items which will replace the traditional medals.
During his presentation at the Press Launch for JIIM, held to-
day at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston, Executive Director,
TPDCo, Dr. Andrew Spencer underscored the importance of
diversification in the tourism product, which can be achieved
through sporting events. Events such as JIIM are known to at-
tract athletes, agents and fans from all over the world, giving
visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local cul-
ture and its offerings.
“We are deliberate about this partnership and we foresee a
long term relationship with the sporting fraternity, as we rec-
ognize the extent to which sports can provide benefits for the
tourism space. We are also cognizant of the fact that sporting
events open avenues of other aspects of our culture, such as
our food and music. However, what is most impactful is the
opportunity that our local artisans will get to showcase their
products, and for us to continue building the craft industry.”
He said.
As the agency with responsibility for developing Jamaica’s
tourism product, TPDCo cited that the partnership with JIIM
will provide an opportunity to introduce the versatility of Ja-
maica’s tourism product through sports tourism. This type of
tourism forms one of the networks of the 5 pillars of growth,
a strategy of the Ministry of Tourism to attract 5 million visitors
and earn 5 billion US dollars in 5 years.
The organization has also noted that sports tourism acts
as a vehicle for economic growth and job creation, by
developing this aspect of tourism which will benefit the
local economy and by extension other sectors of the
country such as education and health. The development
of this tourism network will therefore add to existing pro-
grammes carried out by TPDCo such as its community
tourism and training programmes.
Additionally, the incorporation of craft items, which will
be provided by TPDCo, is intended to give visitors and
athletes of the event a first-hand experience with
authentic craft items. It is envisioned that the move will
boost the craft industry and exposure and earnings for
local artisans.
Director of Corporate Services Deron Dixon (far-left) and Financial
Controller Georgia Robinson-Wong (far right) share the limelight
with Olympians Blessing Ocobre and Mike Rogers at the JIIM Ath-
letes reception dinner, held at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston.
Executive Director, Tourism Product Development Company Limited
(TPDCo) Dr. Andrew Spencer (right) joins (2nd right – left) Minister
of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, Chair-
man of the organizing committee, Jamaica International Invitational
Track Meet (JIIM) Dr. Warren Blake, Director of the meet, Donald
Quarrie and Vice-Chairman of the organizing committee, JIIM,
Ludlow Watts. The occasion is the press launch for JIIM, held at the
Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston.
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