Carolyn McDonald Riley, director of the Tourism Linkages Network, says that this year’s staging of Christmas in July will take place at the AC Marriot Hotel in St Andrew.

It is a change from the usual location of The Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

The two-day trade show will, this year, be held from July 12 to 13 and will provide an opportunity for 175 local producers of gifts and souvenir items to promote their products to alternative market segments.

McDonald Riley also encourages Jamaicans to attend the event and go in search of that “authentic Jamaican-made gift item”, which can be ordered or purchased early for loved ones or colleagues ahead of the upcoming Christmas season.

“Don’t wait until the last minute to think about the gift you want to get for Christmas. By attending the trade show, you will be exposed to a variety of products from which you can choose,” she said.

The trade show will open at 9:00 a.m. each day including an opening ceremony on Day 1, when Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, will deliver the keynote address.

On display will be several products in the categories of desktop solutions, spa and aromatherapy, décor, clothing, fine art, jewellery, souvenirs, food, and products created from organic and natural fibres.

Last year’s staging of the event saw a total 180 local manufacturers and suppliers that participated in the event.

Christmas in July is a collaborative effort of the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), and its partners, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA).

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