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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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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.”

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JAMAICA REOPENS FOR BUSINESS AFTER HURRICANE BERYL

KINGSTON, July 4, 2024 – Jamaica’s reputation for resilience continues as Hurricane Beryl moved past on July 3. Jamaica‘s hotels and resorts were well-prepared as staff and guests remained safe during the storm.

No Major Tourism Fallout from Beryl – Bartlett

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, July 4, 2024: Following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has indicated that based on information collected by the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC), Jamaica’s tourism sector has not experienced any major fallout from the weather system.

Minister Bartlett Convenes Urgent Meetings to Prepare for Hurricane Beryl

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, July 2, 2024: As Jamaica braces for the potential impact of Hurricane Beryl, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has convened several urgent strategy meetings since Sunday, June 30, 2024, with the Policy and Planning Group and other key members of the Ministry’s Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC). The meetings, which included Ministry of Tourism officials, Chairmen and Executive Directors of public bodies of the Ministry, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and other leading private sector tourism stakeholders, were aimed at ensuring the tourism sector is fully prepared to face the possible challenges posed by the hurricane.

Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) Activated as Hurricane Beryl Nears

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, July 2, 2024: The Ministry of Tourism has activated the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) in preparation for the passage of Hurricane Beryl. The TEOC serves as the central hub for coordinating emergency response and recovery efforts within the tourism sector. The TEOC is located at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and was officially activated at midday today (July 2).

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (C) pauses for a photo with Mike LaGrand: Director, Latin & Pacific Network Planning (L) and Tom Kozlowski: Senior Manager, Latin Network Planning (R), United Airlines, following a productive meeting at the Airlines’ office in Chicago June 20.

United Airlines Increases Service to Jamaica by Over 50% Since 2019

CHICAGO; Illinois; Wednesday, June 26, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has welcomed news that United Airlines increased its total flights to Jamaica by over 50% since 2019. The disclosure was made during a meeting with the Airline’s top brass and the Minister and his Senior Executives at United’s World Headquarters last week. United Airlines is a major American airline headquartered at the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. It operates an extensive domestic and international route network across the United States, connecting six continents from its seven US mainland hubs.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett making his presentation during a Ministerial Panel at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week in New York on Tuesday June 18, 2024.

Reimagining of Caribbean Tourism key to Resilience of the Industry, says Minister Bartlett

KINGSTON; Jamaica; Monday, June 24, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett believes the push to reimagine Caribbean Tourism is key to ensuring the resilience of the industry. Speaking at the Council of Ministers during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week in New York on Tuesday June 18, Minister Bartlett expressed his support for implementing changes that will benefit the region.

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