The Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) has
witnessed how the digital evolution has contributed to an improved
tourism sector with greater potential for sustainability. TPDCo has the
important role to improve and maintain Jamaica’s tourism product.
This means that the organization is continually developing and imple-
menting strategies geared at a maintaining a globally competitive high
standard product.
Keeping abreast of new technologies is therefore crucial to the growth
and improvement of the sector. We have completely revised our social
media strategy to ensure that information is available to our users; With
frequent updates and tools for interaction, they are able to see the
work we are doing and learn more about our role in the sector. Our
website acts as the main portal for accessing extensive information,
and has assisted many of our users to make contact with the appropri-
ate departments. For example, interested tourism businesses can visit
the website and easily make contact with the Product Development
department, which has responsibility for business and product devel-
opment.
Winston McKane explains the features of the TPDCo Product
Quality app to PQ team member Shelly-Ann Jackson
Other strides we have made with technology is the introduction of sat-
ellite phones. Our Destination Managers are now able to communicate
from remote areas and in case of emergencies. TPDCo has also devel-
oped an application which assists with Product Quality assessments in
our resort areas.
The TPDCo offices are also equipped with modern video and tele-con-
ferencing equipment, which allows for greater productivity among the
offices dispersed across five parishes. We have also enhanced our pay-
ment system, which is no longer limited to cheques or cash, as our Point
of Sale machines allow for card payment in all locations. Our stake-
holders are now able to renew their licences with just a swipe of a card.
People are more motivated to partake in the offerings of a sector that
responds to the needs of individuals and considers all the elements that
will make the experience seamless.
We foresee, with the technological era, even more effective ways of
communicating to our many diverse audiences. We are also confident
with the rapid changes and new trends that the tourism sector will con-
tinue to expand, making it even more inclusive and beneficial for the
Jamaican people.
(Left to right) Destination Managers (Kgn and South Coast)
- Lezley Bernard and Lionel Myrie (Negril) check out their
satellite phones.