1. TOURISM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Mary Helen Reece May 25,2003

2. What we are about • Limited liability company owned by the government of Jamaica • Operates under the Ministry of Industry and Tourism • Mission is to Development the Jamaican Tourism product as a preferred destination in a sustainable way and to increase economic growth

3. Departments within the organization • Human Resource Development • Projects • Standards

4. STANDARDS OBJECTIVES To upgrade the tourism sector in order to satisfy consumer demand and expectations by • Monitoring and inspecting the sector • Facilitating ,upgrading and development • Providing consultation • Promulgating standards

5. What we are not • A licensing agency • A funding agency • A regulatory agency

6. Developing a project • Idea, vision, product • Develop the concept • Sell the concept • Planning-inclusive of feasibility study-the market-consumer-the product standard-the cost-the returns

7. Developing a project through standards CASE STUDY –private sector-public -and the community NINE MILES TOUR –ZION BUS LINE

8. Developing a product through standards Benefit Helps to develop a product • Develops quality product via training awareness promotion of quality systems-addresses both operational and occupational requirements-bus/staff—equipment-training needs • Helps to reduces risk -route –safety-- accessibility -time-emergency procedure-safety-training—first aid /CPR.

9. Developing a product through standards Benefits Builds awareness to quality systems • look at consumer needs and expectation • Authenticity • experience • value for money • standard of amenities offered • always remember standards are consumer driven

10. Developing a product through standards Benefits Protect consumer health safety security environment all regulatory requirements in place as well as voluntary standards • Enables one to be cost efficient • Competitive advantage

11. Developing a product through standards Benefits • Ensures consumer satisfaction • Addresses consumer demands • Develops communities • Provides economic growth-re development and change • Ensures sustainability-via monitoring and inspections • Reduces trade barrier-by having acceptable standards • Allows one to compete in the global market via incorporation of international standards

12. Challenges • Operators do not see • Standards as a means towards development • Standards as consumer driven – to satisfy expectation and demand and increase business potential • Standards as market driven • That standards protect consumers and reduce risk and liability • That standards allows one to compete effectively in the global market

13. Community development • Process • Committed for the long haul • Commitment from all stakeholder • Integrity • Business ethics • Standards • Training • Authenticity • Business plan • Lead agent • Address WIIFM

14. Community development • Focus on Goal • Hard work • Dedication • Race not for the swift