Government of Jamaica

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 Seated, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (C) with Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) (L) and Cynthia Holmes, Dean, Ted Rogers School of Management, TMU. Sharing in the moment are standing L-R, Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Donnette Chin-Loy, Chancellor TMU and Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada. The occasion was the tour of the University to discuss tourism opportunities and partnership.

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TORONTO, Canada; Thursday October 8, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has announced that initial discussions have started to have the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI) and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) collaborate to develop comprehensive training and certification programs for tourism professionals across Jamaica. This groundbreaking partnership will aim to strengthen the capabilities of Jamaica's tourism workforce by providing world-class professional development opportunities that align with international industry standards. The collaboration will leverage TMU's extensive expertise in hospitality and tourism education alongside JCTI's deep understanding of the Caribbean tourism landscape. “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our commitment to building a highly skilled, globally competitive tourism workforce,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. “By working with Toronto Metropolitan University, we're bringing internationally recognized training standards to Jamaica while ensuring our programs reflect the unique strengths of Caribbean hospitality.”

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Potential Global Economic Downturn and Sargassum real threats to Tourism, says Bartlett

MONTEGO BAY, St. James; August 15, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has indicated that Jamaica is taking note that the potential global economic downturn and sargassum phenomena are real threats to the tourism industry.

3900 Youth Empowered by TEF Summer Internship Programme in 6 Years

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 14, 2019: In the past six years, some 3900 youth have benefitted from the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s (TEF) Summer Internship Programme (SIP), which introduces participants (between 16-25 years) to the world of work and assists them with gaining professional experience.

Bartlett Lauds Actress Kerry Washington as a Trailblazer in the Diaspora at Jamaica Independence Gala

NEW YORK, NY – August 12, 2019 – Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett has extended an invitation to actress Kerry Washington and her family to come to Jamaica for a family getaway during her next shoot break. The Minister, who was special guest at the Jamaica Independence gala, had high praises for the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated American born actress, who is of Jamaican descent.

Bartlett to meet with United Nations’ division of Partners and other Investors in New York

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 9, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, leaves the island today to meet with the United Nations’ division of partners and other potential tourism investors in New York.

Kenyan President Confirmed as Tourism Resilience Centre Honorary Co-Chair

KINGSTON, Jamaica – August 8, 2019: President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, has accepted Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett’s invitation to be Honorary Co-Chair (representing Africa) of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCM).

Jamaica exploring more Air Connectivity in Europe Post Brexit

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 8, 2019: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica is actively exploring additional air connectivity options out of Europe, in light of the United Kingdom (UK) leaving the European Union – which is more popularly known as Brexit. The decision for the UK to leave the European Union (EU) was made in 2016 through a referendum.