Government of Jamaica

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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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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 to Receive Honorary Doctorate from UCC

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, July 25, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is set to be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Hospitality & Tourism Management (Honoris Causa) by the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) at its commencement ceremony on Sunday, July 28, 2024. This prestigious distinction recognizes Minister Bartlett’s exceptional contribution to the tourism industry, both locally and globally.

Bartlett Discloses Threefold Strategy to Bolster Jamaica’s Tourism Growth

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, July 18, 2024: In his closing presentation of the 2024/2025 Sectoral Debate in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday (July 16), Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, unveiled a comprehensive threefold strategy designed to bolster tourism growth amidst global economic uncertainties, airline capacity issues, and other challenges.

Minister Bartlett Reports on Tourism Supply Logistics Centre Progress

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, July 18, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, detailed the significant progress being made in establishing Jamaica as a key supply logistics center for the Caribbean cruise industry during his closing presentation of the 2024/2025 Sectoral Debate in Parliament. This development, he believes, will revolutionize Jamaica’s tourism sector and create unprecedented opportunities for local businesses.

Jamaica Welcomes 105,000 Stopover Visitors Since Beryl

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, July 17, 2024: Despite the recent challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl, Jamaica’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, welcoming over 105,000 stopover visitors since reopening its ports. This impressive statistic, announced by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, during his closing presentation of the 2024/2025 Sectoral Debate in Parliament, underscores the industry’s strength and its significant contribution to the Jamaican economy.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (centre front), is joined by Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith (left of him) as he receives a progress update on the construction of Princess Jamaica Grand from owner Robert Cabrera Plana (right front) during a site tour on Friday, July 12, 2024. Other members of the touring party are visible in the background.

Bartlett Looks Forward To Princess Resorts’ September Opening

GREEN ISLAND, Hanover, Jamaica – Monday, July 15, 2024 – Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett eagerly anticipates the September opening of the Princess Grand and Princess Senses The Mangrove, the first phase of a planned 2,036-room hotel development in Green Island, Hanover. Upon completion of the second phase, this project will become one of Jamaica’s largest resorts, significantly boosting the island's tourism offerings.

First Gastronomy Academy Will be Ready for Winter Tourist Season

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Monday, July 8, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has revealed that Jamaica’s first Gastronomy Academy will be in operation at the Montego Bay Convention Centre by the end of 2024. In making the announcement yesterday (July 7), Minister Bartlett said the academy will be opened “for the winter tourist season this year.”