OCHO RIOS, St Ann – Local hoteliers and attraction operators were yesterday optimistic at the end of the island’s premier trade show, JAPEX, saying they were anticipating a high volume of business in the next winter tourist season, which starts in December.

Although figures were not yet available for the number of contracts signed over the two days of business on the trading floor, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) president Horace Peterkin said the success should become evident this winter tourist season.

“This year’s JAPEX (Jamaica Product Exchange) has been very successful as we had more suppliers, buyers and media representatives than we have had in previous years,” Peterkin said at the end of the trade show held at the Jamaica Grande Hotel in this resort town.

The JHTA president said 95 per cent of suppliers and buyers with whom he had spoken expressed satisfaction at the amount of businesses conducted.

“I walked the floor and 95 per cent of the suppliers were extremely happy with the business they conducted, while the others said it was okay,” Peterkin said.

During the trade show, 88 tour operators from 56 companies purchased hotel accommodations and packages from suppliers, who in turn sold them to travel agents, 156 of whom had gathered to do business on the floor.

Paulette Shelby of Shelby Travels in Illinois, United States, said she was very impressed with what Jamaica had to offer, and noted that there was no difficulty experienced inselling packages to the island.

“Everybody wants to come to Jamaica and so it is not a difficult sell,” Shelby told the Observer.

She added that the opportunity to see some of the properties and attractions helped travel agents to better sell the destination to their clients. A number of clients, she said, were opting for group travel. Majority of these clients, she said, are in their 30s.

“They come for the music and the food and they try to get a bit of shopping in,” said Shelby.

Meanwhile, Cynthia King, another travel agent from Chicago in Illinois, also had high praises for the trade show.

“We can give people a variation of choices now that we are actually able to see what is being offered,” King said.

David Fitz-Henley, marketing consultant for Kool Runnings Water Park in Negril, said his company was expecting increased local and foreign business from its participation in JAPEX, based on the high interest shown in the product.

“We are happy for the opportunity to have tour operators and travel agents come to us given the cost that it would entail to go to them in several countries to sell our products,” he said.