Government of Jamaica

News Releases

News Releases

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett addresses delegates at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week at the Intercontinental Hotel in New York on Monday June 1, 2026.

Featured News Releases

Minister Bartlett Highlights Resilience, Workforce Development and Sustainable Growth as Cornerstones of Tourism's Next Chapter MANHATTAN, New York; Tuesday, June 2, 2026 — Jamaica's tourism sector is entering a new era of transformation under the banner of Tourism 3.0, a bold strategy aimed at repositioning the destination for sustained growth, enhanced competitiveness and greater benefits for Jamaican workers and communities. Speaking at the opening of CTO Caribbean Week in New York yesterday, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, underscored the remarkable resilience of Jamaica's tourism sector, noting that despite a series of global disruptions, the industry has continued to demonstrate its strength and adaptability. “In every instance, the real resilience that is the essence of tourism manifested itself in Jamaica,” said Minister Bartlett. “These disruptions have bent us a little bit, but they have not broken the spirit of the Jamaican people.”

All News Releases

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left) and the Secretary of Tourism for the Philippines, Hon. Christina Garcia-Frasco, share lens time after he received his global Gusi Peace Prize on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Manila Metropolitan Theatre.

Minister Bartlett Wins Global Gusi Peace Prize

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, November 28, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, was awarded the prestigious Gusi Peace Prize in Manila on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the global tourism industry. This distinguished accolade, often referred to as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize, celebrates excellence in various fields, including peace, human rights, politics, science, and the arts. Minister Bartlett’s award highlights his leadership in championing tourism resilience and sustainability, particularly in small island developing states, and underscores his commitment to advancing global cooperation in the tourism sector.

Minister Bartlett Travels to Manila to Receive 2024 Gusi Peace Prize

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, November 25, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, yesterday (November 24) departed the island for Manila, the Philippines, to attend the 2024 Gusi Peace Prize International Awards. This prestigious global event honours individuals and organizations for significant contributions to peace, human rights, and global progress.

Minister Bartlett Travels to Colombia for 122nd UN Tourism Executive Council Meeting

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, November 13, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island today for Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, to represent Jamaica at the United Nations (UN) Tourism’s 122nd Executive Council Meeting, which will be held from November 13–15, 2024. Jamaica, which proudly holds the position of Second Vice Chair on the UN Tourism Executive Council, will play an instrumental role in shaping the direction of the global tourism agenda.
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (r) and Sierra Leone Tourism Minister, Hon. Nabeela Farida Tunis being interviewed by BBC Travel Presenter Carmen Roberts at the International Tourism and Investment Conference (ITIC) Global Tourism Investment Summit at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London, England, on Monday, November 4.

Tourism Minister Bartlett Advocates for Enhanced Commonwealth Collaboration to Drive Global Tourism Growth

London, England; Monday, November 5, 2024: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has underscored the need for a stronger and more cohesive tourism strategy across Commonwealth nations to leverage the immense potential for economic and social development. Speaking at the prestigious International Tourism and Investment Conference (ITIC) Global Tourism Investment Summit at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London, England, Minister Bartlett called on Commonwealth countries to join forces in making tourism a transformative driver of inclusive growth.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (2nd right) engages with the audience at the ITIC Summit in London during a panel discussion on: ‘The responsibility of governments to develop a strategic plan for an investment-focused tourism agenda of the future.’ Other participants included (L-R) Siby Diabira, Senior Manager, Western Europe, IFC; Hon. Vera Kamtukule, Minister of Tourism, Malawi; Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya, and moderator Carmen Roberts, BBC presenter.

Supply-Side Growth Key to Boosting Tourism Investment, says Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has continued to advocate for the importance of tourism-dependent destinations owning the supply side of the industry to increase investments and earnings. Speaking at the International Tourism and Investment Conference (ITIC) Global Tourism Investment Summit in London yesterday, the Minister highlighted that owning the supply side has the potential to create favourable conditions for investors and to retain more of the foreign exchange earned locally from the industry.

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.