TUI Futureshapers Jamaica
The rising influx of tourists in Jamaica has led to growing demand for goods and services, as well as activities that cater to the tourism industry. Yet despite the thriving tourism sector, the local population continues to face socio-economic challenges, including poverty, crime, and income inequality. Local businesses cannot always reap the full benefit of tourism because they’re unable to meet the industry’s standards and demands. Strengthening local entrepreneurship can therefore increase revenue and boost job creation within the tourism sector.
TUI Futureshapers Jamaica supports entrepreneurial development, enhances links with the tourism sector, and enables MSMEs and start-ups to scale-up, create jobs and contribute to reducing inequality and poverty. To achieve this, the project improves access to financing, builds entrepreneurial capacity, and expands market opportunities for local businesses.
TUI Futureshapers Jamaica strengthens the entrepreneurial tourism ecosystem in Montego Bay, the second-largest city in Jamaica and one of the main tourist resorts in the country. Although Montego Bay offers a varied and complex tourist experience with many opportunities, it also faces challenges, including poverty, crime, and inequality, which negatively impact the resident experience and economic growth.
The project supports local tourism MSME businesses and start-ups with the tools and resources required to improve their competitiveness through innovation and attain sustainable growth through capacity building.
It supports 100 MSME entrepreneurs to enhance their skills and grow their businesses, through tailored training, networking, market access and funding opportunities. 12 training modules are offered in Investment Readiness and Digital Transformation. Entrepreneurs participate in a networking event, and through partnerships with the Tourism Linkages Network and Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, they gain access to trade expos and capacity-building workshops. In addition, a themed challenge enables the winners to earn grant funding to support business growth activities.
The project also works with 20 startups at the post-incubation stage, particularly those operating in tourism and the tourism value chain. Participants receive technical training in product development and market penetration strategies and benefit from toolkits, mentorship and networking. They are also given the opportunity to win grant awards through a themed challenge where they showcase their products and services.
In addition, the project supports 50 post-secondary students and aspiring young entrepreneurs aged 16-24, through an intensive 3-day bootcamp dedicated to entrepreneurism.
Project Partner
Target 8.9 is a global development agency initiated by TUI Care Foundation. It is dedicated to mobilising both non-financial and financial resources to create meaningful and sustainable impacts in local tourism destinations, aligned with target 8.9 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This specific objective within the SDGs aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, with an emphasis on the tourism sector and highlighting local culture and products. Target 8.9’s primary focus is on fostering inclusive economic opportunities and social development, with a strong emphasis on conservation and landscape restoration.
