News Releases

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.

Featured News Releases

Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation to Partner with Toronto Metropolitan University to Elevate Tourism Workforce Development

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.”

All News Releases

National Champions Named in TSEP 2016 Awards

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; March 6, 2017: Massage Therapist, Simone Folkes of Sandals Royal Plantation and Couples San Souci won the coveted National Champion awards for 2016 in the individual and organization categories respectively, as the Ministry of Tourism on the weekend rolled out the red carpet for the return of the Tourism Service Excellence Awards. The programme is spearheaded by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo).

Trench Town to Play Major Role in Tourism Development Plan for Kingston

KINGSTON, Jamaica; February 26, 2017: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that he will be providing well needed assistance to stakeholders in Trench Town as they seek to make improvements to the area to position it as the premier community-tourism destination in Kingston.

Kingston Set to Welcome More Cruise Ships

KINGSTON, Jamaica; February 14, 2017: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that Kingston is set to welcome more cruise ships, with the next vessel set to dock in the first quarter of 2017. While addressing the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) today (February 14, 2017), he shared that the Ministry of Tourism has placed great emphasis on expanding cruise tourism in the island, with special focus being placed on the restoration of the ports of Kingston and its environs.

Minister Bartlett Lauds Jimmy Cliff on Receiving IRIEF FM Lifetime Achievement Award

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; February 14, 2017: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has lauded legendary musician and actor, Jimmy Cliff (Mr. James Ezekiel Chambers, OM) for his sterling contribution to Jamaican film and music, describing him as “both a trailblazer and influencer; an enduring voice who has helped to make little Jamaica a cultural heavy weight on the world stage.”

Cuba, Jamaica Cruise Itinerary Interest Surges

KINGSTON, Jamaica; February 13, 2017: Years prior to the Cuban Revolution in 1959 that saw the communist Fidel Castro regime come to power, Cruise ships from Miami regularly stopped in Cuba and Jamaica as part of their northern Caribbean itinerary.

Minister Bartlett Signs Agreement with Excellence Group to Build Two Hotels in Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 19, 2017: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett today (January 19, 2017) signed an agreement with representatives of the Excellence Group of Luxury Hotels and Resorts to build two hotels in Oyster Bay, Trelawny, which will add over 700 rooms to the island’s room-stock. The Excellence Group, which is renowned for its award-winning luxurious properties, plans to begin construction on their first property in Jamaica in February 2017.

Contact Information

64 Knutsford Boulevard,
Kingston 5, Jamaica

(876) 920-4926-30

info@mot.gov.jm