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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 Bartlett in London for World Travel Market 2024

London, England; Monday, November 4, 2024: Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett has arrived in London to lead Jamaica’s delegation at the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) scheduled for November 5-7. This significant event will bring together global leaders in travel and tourism, providing a powerful platform to advance Jamaica’s tourism objectives, strengthen alliances, and explore new growth opportunities across markets.

Garth Sinclair, aka “Necktie Gentleman” shows off his skill with the coconut at the Sandals Jamaica Love sales event which showcased Sandals and Beaches resorts on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, as the authentic Caribbean resorts of choice. Sinclair has been selling coconuts for the past 43 years.

Major Push Underway to Boost Jamaica’s Image as a Tourist Destination

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Thursday, October 17, 2024: Underscoring the importance of tourism to Jamaica’s economic life, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon Andrew Holness has announced that strategic steps are being taken to enhance the country’s reputation and brand as a tourist destination.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (centre) is flanked by the President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Robin Russell (right), and JHTA Executive Director, Camille Needham (left) as he responds to questions from JHTA members following his presentation at their 63rd Annual General Meeting held yesterday (October 12) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Tourism Sector Gearing Up for More Growth

Kingston, Jamaica; Sunday, October 13, 2024: Jamaica’s tourism sector is set for continued expansion as global travel surges toward 1.5 billion travellers by the end of this year, with projections of nearly 3 billion tourists worldwide in the next two decades. Addressing the 63rd Annual General Meeting of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) yesterday (October 12), Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett outlined several strategies aimed at ensuring that Jamaica remains a top destination and continues to experience growth in the competitive global tourism market.

Pork was one of the favourite meats at the Savour Jamaica culinary event which was staged at the Artisan Village in Falmouth, Trelawny, on Thursday, September 26, 2024 as one of the featured events for Tourism Awareness Week (TAW). Here Chef ‘FADA Chris’ carves up a pig roasted on a spit for customers. TAW 2024 ran from September 22-28, under the theme “Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love.”

Stakeholders Call for Permanent Culinary Event in Falmouth

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, October 2, 2024: Key stakeholders, including political leaders in the parish of Trelawny, are calling for the introduction of a consistent gastronomy event, similar to the Savour Jamaica showcase held recently at the cruise shipping port of Falmouth, to help attract more visitors and boost Jamaica’s culinary offerings.

An interior shot of S Hotel Montego Bay.

S Hotel Montego Bay & S Hotel Kingston Named in Best Hotels Rankings

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has welcomed news that S Hotel Montego Bay (previously known as S Hotel Jamaica) has been ranked the number one Best Hotel in the Caribbean and Central America by the world's leading travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. S Hotel Kingston (previously known as Spanish Court Hotel) ranked number 9 on the exclusive list.

Tourism Ministry Unveils ‘Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love’ Mural

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, October 1, 2024: A stunning mural, the latest addition to the Downtown Kingston Art District, was unveiled by the Ministry of Tourism, on World Tourism Day, September 27, as part of activities to mark Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2024. Executed through a collaborative effort between the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and Kingston Creative, the mural, titled “Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love,” is a vibrant representation of Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage and the unifying role of tourism. The project was brought to life by lead muralist Sheldon Blake, with assistance from Rohan Cargill, and stands as a striking symbol of the connection between tourism, peace, and cultural exchange.

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