Negril on Track to Fully Reopen on December 15

Speaking in Negril on November 28, 2025, Minister Bartlett confirmed that the town’s December 15 reopening is secured, thanks to rapid community-driven cleanup efforts and unwavering investor confidence, positioning the destination for a strong winter season after the disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.

New $1 Billion Fund Established to Assist Tourism Workers Impacted by Melissa

During a recovery tour in Ocho Rios on November 24, 2025, Minister Bartlett outlined the creation of a $1 billion public-private fund designed to support tourism workers with housing and rehabilitation needs following Hurricane Melissa, accelerating the sector’s rebound ahead of the winter season.

Jamaica Becomes Caribbean’s Most Connected Destination

In Montego Bay on September 23, 2025, at JAPEX 2025 Minister Bartlett revealed that Jamaica has soared to the top of regional connectivity, achieving unmatched global links through expanded airlift, major infrastructure upgrades, and strategic workforce investments.

Bartlett Names Local First Task Force to Drive Inclusive Tourism Growth

Announced in Montego Bay on September 25, 2025, Minister Edmund Bartlett’s establishment of the Local First Task Force, chaired by Hon. Tova Hamilton, signals a decisive move to strengthen local capacity, reshape policy frameworks, and ensure that Jamaica retains more of the economic value generated as visitor numbers climb.

Global Tourism Resilience Conference 2025

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett called for global tourism stakeholders to embrace digital technologies to build industry resilience at the opening of the 3^rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference & Expo, held from February 17-19, 2025, at the Princess Grand Jamaica, Hanover.

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Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (second right) leads a unifying group handshake with (from left) Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Jennifer Griffith, outgoing Chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Hon. Godfrey Dyer and incoming TEF Chairman, Ryan Parkes at the Ministry’s One-day Strategic Visioning Retreat held last Wednesday at the AC Marriott Hotel.

Ryan Parkes Named New TEF Chairman

Minister Bartlett Salutes Godfrey Dyer’s 14 Years of Exemplary Service KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, April 30, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has named Ryan Parkes, Group Chief Executive Officer of Island Car Rentals and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS), as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), effective May 1, 2026. The appointment, recently approved by Cabinet, was announced at the Ministry’s One-day Strategic Visioning Retreat held on April 22 at the AC Marriott Hotel. In making the announcement, Minister Bartlett also paid tribute to the outgoing TEF Chairman, Hon. Godfrey Dyer, whose 14-year tenure at the helm of the TEF represents the longest record of chairmanship in the fund’s history and one of the longest across government.

. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right) shares a light moment with The Garden Hotel’s Chief Executive Officer, Garfield Virgin (centre) and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Jeniffer Griffith, as they discuss the great potential of the property at the start of the Ministry’s two-day South Coast Confidence Tour on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Tourism’s Success Built on Trust & Confidence – Bartlett

TREASURE BEACH, St. Elizabeth; Tuesday, April 28, 2026: With tourism activities along the island’s South Coast now up and running in tandem with other major resort areas, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is attributing the expeditious recovery of the sector to trust and confidence in the destination’s ability to delivery on what is promised. Minister Bartlett wrapped up a two-day South Coast tour recently under the theme “South Coast Strong: St. Bess Is Back,” signalling visible momentum in the parish, demonstrating confidence in the post hurricane Melissa recovery of tourism activity and highlighting the strength of the South Coast’s diversified product. The tour stretched from Mandeville, Manchester to Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth and included hotels and attractions, with each sending a resounding message that they are back and open for business, having recovered in record time from the impact of the powerful hurricane.

Minister Bartlett Pays Tribute to Former Tourism Minister Hugh Hart

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Friday, April 17, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has paid tribute to former Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Hugh C. Hart, OJ, on his passing, describing him as a distinguished Jamaican whose life of service left an enduring mark on the nation’s tourism sector, public life and economic development. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the Honourable Hugh C. Hart, OJ, and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. Jamaica has lost a devoted son—an accomplished attorney, distinguished statesman and committed public servant whose life’s work helped to shape our nation,” said Minister Bartlett. Minister Bartlett noted that Mr. Hart’s tenure as Minister of Tourism from 1984 to 1989 coincided with an important period in Jamaica’s tourism development and international visibility.