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Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (L) beams as he accepts the Tourism Minister of the Year – Worldwide award from Yatan Ahluwalia, Secretary General, Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) at the recent 26th PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit & PATWA International Travel Awards.

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Minister Bartlett Earns Top Global Tourism Honour at PATWA Awards

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, March 12, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has been named Tourism Minister of the Year – Worldwide by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contribution to global tourism development. The award was presented recently at the 26th PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit & PATWA International Travel Awards, which celebrates excellence, innovation and leadership within the international travel and tourism industry. Minister Bartlett’s recognition reflects his longstanding advocacy for tourism resilience, sustainability and innovation, as well as his instrumental role in shaping policies that have strengthened Jamaica’s tourism sector and influenced global best practices. Minister Bartlett reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the industry and building stronger, future-ready tourism frameworks worldwide. “I have dedicated my career to strengthening tourism as a driver of economic growth, opportunity and global connectivity,” he said.

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Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (R) engaging with children ahead of the toy distribution by Santa (L) at the Christmas Treat held by the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Tourism Ministry and its Public Bodies bring Holiday Cheer to Children of Tourism Workers

KINGSTON; Jamaica; December 27, 2024: The Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies spread holiday joy and gratitude this season by hosting a series of special Christmas Treats for the children of tourism workers. The heartwarming celebrations, held over three days, took place across resort areas including Kingston, Portland, Treasure Beach, Negril, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, bringing smiles to over 600 children and their families.

Princess Resorts to Develop Jamaica’s First Casino

GREEN ISLAND, Jamaica; Monday, December 16, 2024: The US$400 million Princess Resorts with 1,005-rooms and several overwater suites, will add another dimension to Jamaica’s tourism industry next year with the development of the country’s first casino since licensing legislation was approved in June 2010, following the enactment of the Casino Gaming Act in March that year.

Workers are the Backbone of our Tourism Industry - Bartlett

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Monday, December 16, 2024: As Jamaica prepares for another record-breaking year in tourist arrivals, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has heaped praises on workers and partners in the industry for their continued sterling contribution.

Co-founders of TechBeach, Jamaican Kirk Hamilton (centre) and Trinidadian Kyle Maloney (right), greet Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett on his arrival for the official opening of the 7th TechBeach Retreat, at Secret Resorts on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

Bartlett Urges Innovators to Use Technology to Transform Tourism

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Monday, December 9, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has reinforced his advocacy for the transformation of the tourism sector through technology while observing that: “We are on the cusp of a new era – one where technology and tourism intertwine to create experiences that are more enriching, accessible, and sustainable than ever before.”

2024/25 Cruise Tourism Season Starts with a Bang

FALMOUTH, Jamaica; Friday, December 6, 2024: With Jamaica having welcomed 1.1 million cruise passengers since the start of the year, the 2024/2025 cruise tourism season got off to a strong start with ten vessels calling on the three main resort ports, with some 34,519 passengers and a combined crew of 13,137 between December 2 and 5, 2024.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left) responds to questions following his keynote address at the ground-breaking Pinnacle conference on branded real estate development, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. Beside him is Yangsen Li, Chief Executive Officer of LCH Developments, developers of the US$450 million Pinnacle luxury lifestyle property.

Jamaica Pivots to Expand Luxury Tourism Offering

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Thursday, December 5, 2024: The Ministry of Tourism is moving to position the hospitality sector to attract more luxurious developments similar to the US$450-million Montego Bay Pinnacle luxury lifestyle development currently under construction on the city’s western coastline.

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