KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, says Christmas in July has evolved into one of the Government’s most effective business development initiatives, generating more than J$1 billion in business between local suppliers and the tourism sector over the past decade while building a stronger pipeline of Jamaican producers.

Speaking at Thursday’s official opening of the 12th staging of Christmas in July at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Bartlett said the Ministry of Tourism initiative, organised by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, has grown into Jamaica’s premier corporate gifting trade show.

“Christmas in July is no longer just a trade show. It is Jamaica’s Local First marketplace for Tourism 3.0, moving Jamaican businesses from exposure to contracts, and from contracts to wealth creation,” he said.