The Tourism Linkages Hub (TLH) is seeking to develop Jamaica’s craft industry which, it says, has the potential to earn billions annually.

According to TLH Project Manager Carolyn McDonald-Riley, a single chain in the craft market industry can earn up to US$40 million ($4.5 billion) in annual revenues.

Plans are now under way to capitalise on the creativity of craft producers through exposure to high-end craft designs, gift shop operators and hoteliers, over the next six months.

“We can get far more out of our craft vending industry,” McDonald-Riley told the Business Observer.

“Our gift shop operators will tell you that they have travelled abroad and have bought craft items that could have been supplied in Jamaica,” she added.

Under the initiative, the TLH hopes to host a mini craft show where producers will be better able to understand the demands of the market. This is expected to boost the productivity of the sector and replace some of the 4,600 jobs lost among craft and related trade workers last year.

“We will be addressing what the products should look like to appeal to any buyer,” the project manager stated.

The Hub will also feature a price show, aimed at encouraging hoteliers and operators to support their own products, especially with local craft items being traded at lower prices than those from overseas.

The TLH will also be working closely with Sandals Resorts International to create a platform where manufacturers and CEOs can interact and develop business opportunities.

“We have invited the purchasing managers of all the hotels to come and meet with the persons in the production sector,” McDonald-Riley said.

Under the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, TLH creates and improves linkages between the tourism, manufacturing, agricultural and other sectors of the economy to stimulate further growth in those areas.

The Linkages Hub currently stages the monthly Agro-Tourism Farmers’ Market and Arts in the Park, and, for the first time, TLH has been included in the annual tourism trade show Jamaica Product Exchange.

Since its inception in June last year, the TLH has worked with manufacturers such as Boss Furniture Limited, McIntosh and Continental Bedding, and Pioneers Meat Company Limited.

Jamaica Fibreglass Products Limited (JFP), also a beneficiary of the TLH, has ongoing partnership with the Spanish Court Hotel. The JFP is currently exploring the possibility of partnering with a Spanish hotel operator under the National Insurance Fund (NIF) to supply furniture and fixtures to the company.

“That is currently at the procurement stage and the NIF has to do a public tender,” she said.