JAMAICA | Greater Linkages Needed between Tourism and Beauty Industries says Janice Allen

Montego Bay, Jamaica, July 27, 2022 – Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism and Linkages, Senator Janice Allen wants to see greater linkages between Jamaica’s tourism and beauty industries, citing immense untapped opportunities in the multi-billion-dollar global beauty sector.

Addressing Tuesday’s media launch of the 3^rd annual Jamaica International Beauty Expo at S Hotel in Montego Bay, Senator Allen said tourism leaders must explore how non-traditional industries like beauty can support the industry, while benefitting from it, at a time when the world-governing tourism organization, UNWTO is appealing for policy makers to ‘rethink tourism for sustainability’.

The Opposition Spokesperson noted that the existing linkage between the beauty and tourism industries by way of destination weddings presents greater opportunities for exploration, as no special celebration happens without the crucial involvement of the beauty industry, especially through hair, makeup and skin care.

Senator Allen said if Jamaica was serious about tapping into the lucrative destination wedding market, the authorities should begin by tracking more scientifically, that market segment which is currently estimated to value US$21.5-billion and is projected to increase to US$290 billion in 9 years, owing to improved travel options.

Jamaica Tourist Board statistics showed that between January and April this year, just over 32,000 persons came to Jamaica for weddings and honeymoons, she emphasized.

Senator Allen said the Jamaica International Beauty Expo is well-placed to highlight the possibilities that exist in the 500-billion-dollar global beauty industry, which in Jamaica can no longer be seen as a frivolous endeavour, as it is a real and fast-growing industry with changing trends and opportunities.

She therefore called for investment in research and development to facilitate the development and transformation of the beauty industry, even while calling for authorities to explore ways to make it easier to invest in and finance businesses in beauty.

The Tourism Spokesperson’s sentiments were endorsed by President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Oral Heaven, who called for greater private and public sector support of the Jamaica International Beauty Expo, which he said has great potential to aid in providing structure to the local beauty industry.

The Tourism Enhancement Fund-sponsored Jamaica International Beauty Expo is on from August 12 to 14 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, and will feature industry building panel discussions, presentations and demonstrations by professionals, on issues pertaining to the ‘Business of Beauty’ in addition to exhibits by local and international beauty brands.

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