Government of Jamaica

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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.

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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.”

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Jamaica Reports Strong Arrivals Increase in First Quarter of 2024

Kingston, Jamaica, August 15, 2024 – Jamaica has announced an 11% increase in arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023. This demand for one of the world’s leading island travel destinations further exemplifies its projection to welcome 5 million visitors by 2025.

Bartlett to Attend Paris Olympics Ahead of Brazil Marketing Blitz

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, August 7, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, will depart the island for Paris, France today (August 7) to attend the Olympic Games. While in the City of Lights, Minister Bartlett will be instrumental in promoting Jamaica as a premier tourist destination through the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) Jamaica House initiative.
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left), engages in conversation with (from second left) Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Dr. Carey Wallace, and Tourism Innovation Incubator participants Wayne Thompson, Dr. Duane Chambers (winner of Cohort 1), and Dr. Joshua Daye. The occasion was the official Meet and Greet Event for Cohort 2 of the Tourism Innovation Incubator, held at the AC Marriott Hotel on July 30, 2024.

Jamaica Is Positioning Itself as a Centre Of Tourism Innovation

KINGSTON, JAMAICA; July 31, 2024 – Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett announced yesterday (July 30, 2024) that Jamaica is positioning itself as a global center of tourism innovation, highlighting the remarkable success of the Tourism Innovation Incubator programme. Speaking at the official Meet and Greet Event for Cohort 2 of the Tourism Innovation Incubator at the AC Marriott Hotel, Minister Bartlett underscored the programme's pivotal role in revolutionizing Jamaica's tourism industry.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right) smiles as he receives his Honorary Doctorate in Hospitality and Tourism Management (Honoris Causa) from the newly installed President of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), Professor Colin Gyles, during the institution’s commencement ceremony yesterday (July 28).

Bartlett Urges UCC 2024 Graduating Class to Arise and Take Their Place

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, July 29, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has challenged the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean’s (UCC) 2024 graduating class to arise and take their rightful place in shaping Jamaica’s future. Delivering the keynote address at the institution’s commencement ceremony yesterday (July 28) at the National Arena, where he was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Minister Bartlett lauded the UCC’s role in developing the nation’s human capital.

Bartlett Welcomes Avelo Airlines’ New Flights to Montego Bay

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, July 25, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has welcomed Avelo Airlines’ announcement that it will be introducing new direct flights between Hartford, Connecticut and Montego Bay, Jamaica, starting November 16, 2024. These non-stop flights will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing an accessible and affordable travel option for passengers.

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.