Jamaica Launches the 36th Edition of JAPEX Tourism Trade Fair

Jamaica has officially inaugurated preparations for the 36th edition of the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), the country’s primary tourism marketing and trade event. Scheduled to take place from September 14 to September 18, 2026, the gathering will be hosted at the Moon Palace Jamaica resort in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, under the strategic theme "Jamaica Reimagined."

During the official launch, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett noted that the selection of Ocho Rios as the venue was a proactive operational decision made following the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the western side of the island. The ministry indicated that this change serves as a prime opportunity to invigorate the tourism offerings along the island's north coast. Current estimates suggest that 80% of the national hotel infrastructure will be fully operational by the event, with the remaining facilities expected to reopen before the end of the first quarter of 2027.

Organized jointly by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association (JHTA), the fair aims to showcase the destination’s robustness and the resilience of the local industry. In its previous iteration, the event facilitated commercial agreements and negotiations valued at approximately 100 million local dollars, cementing its reputation as an essential meeting point for local suppliers, international tour operators, and travel agents.

Nicola Madden-Greig, President of JAPEX, detailed that the event’s programming will feature specialized forums dedicated to business travel, technological innovation, and artificial intelligence applied to the tourism sector. Additionally, debates focused on the sustainable growth of the luxury segment will take center stage.

The working sessions will include direct meetings between global buyers and local providers, complemented by technical site visits to key island enclaves and commemorative cultural events. To date, organizers have confirmed the registration of delegates from 22 countries, with participation from the market’s leading hotel brands, while registration remains open to further strengthen commercial exchange during this edition.