Carnival Corporation & plc, in partnership with Jamaica’s Tourism Enhancement Fund, hosted a successful sourcing readiness forum at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.

This event underscored Carnival Corporation’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Jamaica. The forum supported the country’s efforts to establish stronger linkages within the tourism industry and national sectors.

The forum brought together a diverse range of carefully selected local suppliers, from small businesses and farmers to large consolidators and distributors. Identified by the Tourism Linkages Network of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, these entities offered products that were potentially attractive to Carnival Corporation.

The items ranged from frozen food and agricultural produce to authentic Jamaican culinary products, like sauces, seasonings, rums, chocolate, teas, and coffee. Artisanal products such as woodcraft, handmade jewellery, and candles were also presented.

Javonté Anyabwelé (pic), Vice President of Strategic Sourcing at Carnival Corporation, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the company’s sourcing requirements. He commented: “We are eager to explore the rich array of products Jamaica has to offer and are particularly interested in discovering uniquely and authentically Jamaican products that reflect the country’s value proposition as a cultural stalwart that will enhance our guests’ experience.”

The event included an information session featuring key speakers. Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, served as Master of Ceremonies. Adam Stewart, Executive Chair of Sandals & Beaches Resorts and Chair of the Tourism Linkages Council delivered remarks underscoring the importance of linkages to enhance inclusivity in the tourism sector.

Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government & Destination Affairs at Carnival Corporation, shared the company’s vision for the region. The event also featured remarks from Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism.

“Tourism is the most consumer-driven activity on earth,” remarked Minister Bartlett. “Jamaica, with our share of the cruise business, has an important part to play in meeting the demand of what will become a USD $17.3 billion opportunity by 2033.”

He went on to comment that Jamaicans must be at the heart of supply arrangements for tourism, thanking Carnival for exposing Jamaica to the possibilities for their supply capabilities. “I’m excited about the prospects of our manufacturers, our farmers and other suppliers taking their place in the supply chain of the tourism industry, and making prosperity not just a word, but a reality,” he concluded.

Following the information session, the forum hosted two days of one-on-one meetings between Anyabwelé and potential suppliers. These meetings aimed to identify Jamaican businesses capable of becoming suppliers to Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines.

The focus was on products that met the company’s rigorous standards for quality and quantity. This sourcing forum offered local businesses access to the global cruise market and reinforced Jamaica’s position as a hub for other Caribbean countries.

The initiative highlighted the collaboration with key Jamaican organizations, including the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the Ministry of Tourism, and other relevant stakeholders. The event further represented a significant step in Carnival Corporation’s ongoing efforts to diversify its supply chain and support local and regional economies in its areas of operation.