Government of Jamaica

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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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SECTORAL PRESENTATION 2015-2016 BY HON. DR. WYKEHAM MCNEILL, MINISTER OF TOURISM AND ENTERTAINMENT, APRIL 14, 2015

Sectoral Presentation 2015-2016 Presented by Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, MP Minister of Tourism and Entertainment April 14, 2015 TOURISM WORKING FOR JAMAICA OPENING REMARKS Mr. Speaker,
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Nearly 1000 Chinese Visitors Arrive in Ocho Rios on Costa Atlantica Cruise Ship

Kingston, Jamaica: April 22, 2015 – There was a buzz of activity in Ocho Rios this morning as nearly one thousand Chinese vacationers descended on the resort town to experience Jamaica’s world class tourism offerings. The group represents the single largest number of Chinese visitors to vacation on the island ever.
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Braco Reopening and Expansion to Add Hundreds of Jobs and Rooms

BRACO, Trelawny : April 2 6 , 2015: As ongoing investment in the tourist industry continues to fuel the country’s economic development, hundreds of additional hotel rooms and jobs are being added to the sector. This trend is set to continue as the 225-room government owned Braco Village, is slated to reopen for the 2015/16 winter tourist season as the Meliá Braco Village.
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TEF Provides $80 million to Purchase and Repair Police Vehicles

Kingston, Jamaica: July 30, 2015: The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has received $80 million from the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), which will go towards purchasing and repairing JCF vehicles used in resort areas. A portion of the funds have been used to purchase 10 new vehicles at a cost of $45 million and the remaining $35 million will be used to conduct repairs to over 100 vehicles currently in use.
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Minister McNeill Welcomes New Jewel Lagoon Water Park

RUNAWAY BAY, St Ann; July 23, 2015: Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill has welcomed Jewel Runaway Bay’s $570 million Lagoon Water Park as a great addition to the tourism product.
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Rafting in Portland to get Major Boost

Kingston Jamaica; January 1 4 , 201 6 : The rafting experience in Portland is set to be significantly enhanced, with some $32 million being allocated to renovate the facilities in Berridale and Rafter’s Rest. This was revealed by Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill at a meeting which followed the second staging of the Rafter’s Rest Race on Wednesday January 13, 2016.
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