News Releases

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (2nd right) engages in a vibrant discussion with (from left) Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, Dr. Kerry-Ann McKenzie, Consultant Pediatrician at the Falmouth Public General Hospital and Karen Zacca, Operations Director at the Sandals Foundation, following Tuesday’s (August 11) launch of Island Challenge Jamaica held at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston.

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Bartlett Calls for Redefinition of Tourism CSR in Jamaica

Tourism Minister urges businesses to embed community development in their operations as Sandals Foundation brings Island Challenge home KINGSTON, Jamaica; Friday, August 14, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is calling for a fundamental redefinition of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Jamaica’s tourism industry, urging businesses to move beyond charitable giving and become more deeply embedded in the development and resilience of the communities in which they operate. Minister Bartlett made the call on Tuesday (August 11) while delivering the main address at the launch of the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge Jamaica 2026, under the theme “Tourism Doing Good,” at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston. The four-day endurance event, scheduled for October 2–5, will take approximately 30 UK athletes, along with local and international partners, on a route spanning Trelawny, St. Ann, St. Mary and St. Andrew. Participants will run, kayak, trek and hike across Jamaica’s landscapes while seeking to raise £100,000 to strengthen neonatal and paediatric healthcare services, including at the Falmouth Public General Hospital.

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TEF Allocated J$180 Million to Heritage Sites in 2015

Kingston, Jamaica: January 15, 2016 – As part of efforts to boost heritage tourism the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) allocated $180 million in funding for Jamaica’s heritage sites in 2015. This is in keeping with the agency’s mandate to create a richer tourism product and also preserve the nation's historical and cultural heritage for its citizens. Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr.

$27.7 Million Refurbished Boston Beach Facility Handed Over

Portland, Jamaica: January 17, 2016 – The famous Boston Beach in Portland has been refurbished at a cost of $27.7 million and was officially reopened by Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, on Thursday, January 14, 2016. In his remarks Minister McNeill said that the rehabilitation of Boston Beach is a part of the National Beach Development Programme funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and which is being implemented by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo).

Minister McNeill Lauds Excellence of Hyatt Staff

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; February 3, 2016: Jamaican workers have been credited in large part for the success of the local tourism sector, which saw some 3.69 million visitors in 2015. Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, described them as the “the bedrock of our world-class tourism industry” as he gave the keynote address at yesterday’s inaugural Eminence Awards for Hyatt Ziva and Zilara staff in Rose Hall, Montego Bay.

TEF Funded Centres of Excellence Earning Revenue

MONTEGO BAY, Monday, October 12, 2015: More than one thousand students from six north coast high schools are reaping the rewards of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) initiated Centres of Excellence programme. Students from participating schools are prepared for meaningful employment in the local tourism sector. The TEF’s $54 million commitment has established Centers of Excellence at Little London, Grange Hill, Irwin, William Knibb Memorial, Marcus Garvey Technical and Cross Keys high schools. Work at another five is slated for completion by December this year.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts Announces US$900 Million Mega Hotel Project

STATEMENT BY MR. RUBEN BECERRA VICE PRESIDENT OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT KARISMA HOTELS AND RESORTS AT A PRESS BRIEFING JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD OCTOBER 13, 2015 Good afternoon. On behalf of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, let me start by saying how very proud we are to be in Jamaica.

Devon House Undergoes Major Upgrades

Kingston Jamaica; November 18, 2015: Kingston’s iconic landmark Devon House has been undergoing major renovations, over the last few years, to develop and preserve the heritage site. Following a tour of the facilities on Tuesday November 17, 2015, the Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill announced that the ministry, through its agency, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has funded projects at Devon House to the tune of $128 million from 2012-2014.

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