TRELAWNY, Jamaica — The Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) on Wednesday launched an updated Heritage Map of Jamaica at the Falmouth Heritage Expo in Water Square in Trelawny.

According to a release from the TPDCo, the new map includes a more comprehensive selection of information to suit the varying interests of visitors and locals, including natural sites, which highlight rivers, beaches and waterfalls; and material sites, which detail historic sites across the island.

TPDCo said the heritage map was first created in 1997 to help locals and visitors navigate their way around the island. The map includes historical information and heritage sites and was updated in 2007 with the latest version in 2017.

TPDCo added that the heritage map is the first of its kind and Jamaica is the only Caribbean country to undertake such an initiative.

Speaking at the launch event, Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett highlighted the importance of heritage for individual and national development.

“The direct impact that the country’s heritage has on the tourism sector through the authentic experience it offers for visitors is boundless. Heritage is not just a historic note, it is a definition of who you are and how you came to be,” Bartlett said.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of TPDCo, Andrew Spencer, in his address expressed confidence in the map to contribute to the growth of the tourism sector.

“The heritage map is not only timely, but accurate and comprehensive. The map will not only benefit international tourists who contribute to a large portion of our country’s economy, but our locals who are also invited to utilise the map,” he said.