Gov't to reposition TEF to meet tourism demands

Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett says in the next month, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) will be repositioned to help his Ministry meet the demands of the industry.

According to Bartlett, the new model will see the expansion of the TEF to include new divisions like the Tourism Linkages Network, the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation and the Craft Development Institute.

"The TEF was used like the ATM of government and we were making commitments all over the place and ended up with overhangs taller than the skies. Now in a more structured and organised way, we will be looking at TEF’s flows and outcomes within a cycle to better measure and manage outcomes,” Bartlett said.

He said the TEF will also include a Data Analytics Division, to monitor new trends in the industry globally to guide decision-making within the Ministry.

The division will receive assistance from the Jamaica Tourist Board to develop a well-equipped website that will be launched in May.

TEF has also been charged to help with the data management of the Global Disaster Resilience Centre, which will be established at the University of West Indies, Mona, Jamaica later this year. 

However, Bartlett said the primary function of the TEF will continue to be to manage the inflow and direct it to the consolidated fund.

"But central to your function will be, developing innovative projects, and enabling iconic attractions to be developed across the island," Bartlett told staff at the Tourism Ministry.

"Within the area of projects, you will also see to the destination assurance by way of building out the physical infrastructure.”

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