Government of Jamaica
As Jamaica welcomes the tourist high season on December 15, the island’s craft sector beats at the heart of our tourism industry. Much like how the heart pumps life-giving blood through the body, our artisans, craft traders, and small business operators sustain the flow of authentic Jamaican culture and creativity to the world. These creators ensure that each visitor feels the pulse of the island’s soul, captured in every intricately carved calabash, hand-painted canvas, or expertly woven straw basket.
“Tourism is the lifeblood of Jamaica’s economy”, says Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett. Nevertheless, it is the craftsmanship of our people that makes the experience truly unforgettable. His words ring true as we reflect on how vital the craft sector is, not just to tourism, but to the heart of Jamaica itself. Craft is more than an industry – it’s a living expression of our heritage, tradition, and cultural identity.
Craft Traders: The Lifeblood of Tradition
Just as the heart must constantly beat to keep us alive, our craft traders keep the traditions of Jamaica alive, offering visitors not just products, but pieces of our cultural history. These artisans, many of whom have inherited their skills from generations past, ensure that the art of Jamaican craftsmanship remains vibrant and ever evolving. Whether it’s a finely carved piece of mahogany or a vibrant hand-dyed textile, every item tells the story of the island’s rich heritage.
During the tourist high season, Jamaica’s craft sector becomes the heartbeat of the visitor experience. As tourists explore our markets and shops, they are not simply buying souvenirs; they are connecting with the very essence of Jamaica. Through TPDCo’s “Craft with a Difference…A Black Friday Weekend Extravaganza,” this heartbeat grows stronger. The initiative places a spotlight on the craft sector, ensuring that these artisans are not forgotten, but are celebrated as the true custodians of Jamaica’s cultural wealth.
The craft industry is integral to our mission of making tourism inclusive and sustainable for all. Through initiatives like “Craft with a Difference … A Black Friday Weekend Extravaganza,” we are making sure the hands that craft Jamaica’s beauty are recognised and rewarded.
Artisans: The Heartbeat of Innovation
Our artisans are the innovators, breathing new life into Jamaica’s traditional art forms. They are the pulse of creativity, crafting everything from sculptures to jewelry, each piece infused with the heartbeat of the island. Like the chambers of the heart, these artisans work together to pump creativity into Jamaica’s cultural bloodstream, making our tourism product as diverse as it is dynamic.
TPDCo’s “Craft with a Difference… A Black Friday Weekend Extravaganza” celebrates the artisans who help shape the island’s artistic landscape. The initiative provides them with platforms to reach international audiences, while ensuring that their art remains accessible and appreciated by locals and tourists alike. The aim is clear: to keep the rhythm of innovation alive while honouring the heartbeat of tradition.
Contract Carriage Operators: The Pulse of Exploration
Much like arteries carry blood through the body, Jamaica’s contract carriage operators transport visitors to the many wonders of the island, ensuring that the rhythm of exploration never falters. They are more than drivers – they are ambassadors, sharing their knowledge of Jamaica’s history, culture, and hidden gems. Through their guidance, visitors are introduced to artisans, craft traders, and local communities, keeping the pulse of tourism strong.
The Heartbeat of the Season: Craft with a Difference … A Black Friday Weekend Extravaganza
The tourist high season is a time of celebration for Jamaica, but it’s also a time to reflect on how tourism touches every corner of the island. Craft with a Difference embodies this spirit of connection. By highlighting the craft sector, TPDCo ensures that no artisan, no craft trader, no small business owner is left behind. Every piece of art sold, every market visited, is a testament to Jamaica’s enduring creativity and cultural vibrancy.
Our goal is to ensure that tourism is not just about arrivals, but about impact. It’s about touching the lives of every Jamaican, from the artisan in Negril to the driver in Kingston. The craft sector is the heart of this mission. Given the desires of many tourists to be part of the island’s cultural experience, Minister Bartlett emphasized that small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) can capitalise on this by offering unique Jamaican products for sale. By doing so, we can create a tourism ecosystem that not only benefits visitors but also uplifts local communities and showcases the richness of our culture.
Keeping the Pulse Strong
Let us remember that, like the heart, the craft sector keeps the island alive, vibrant, and ever beating with the rhythm of creativity and culture. This tourist high season, we invite everyone to feel the pulse of Jamaica through its craft and to appreciate the hands that continue to shape its future.
Tourism for all. Craft for all. Jamaica for all.