News Releases

GREEN ISLAND, Hanover, Jamaica; Wednesday, May 27, 2026: Jamaica is positioning itself to secure a share of the multi-billion-dollar global medical and dental tourism market as it intensifies efforts to penetrate new and emerging tourism markets. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the health and wellness subsector presents enormous opportunities for Jamaica, noting that the global medical and dental tourism market is currently valued at between US$10 billion and US$15 billion and is projected to grow rapidly over the next decade to between US$41 billion and US$65 billion. Addressing the 62nd Convention of the Jamaica Dental Association (JDA) at the Princess Grand Jamaica recently, Minister Bartlett pointed to destinations already capitalising on the lucrative industry by combining high-quality medical procedures with vacation experiences.

ST.JOHN’S; Antigua and Barbuda; Tuesday, May 12, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, one of the Caribbean's most influential voices in global travel and tourism, has issued a bold call to action to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), urging member states to formally recognise tourism as the region's single largest economic activity and to act collectively to protect, develop, and future-proof the industry. Speaking ahead of the start of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 trade show in Antigua and Barbuda, Minister Bartlett noted that while tourism contributes more than 40 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) across several Caribbean economies and supports the livelihoods of millions of citizens, it is still not a core priority of CARICOM's strategic agenda. “Tourism is not a secondary consideration — it is the economic backbone of the Caribbean. The time has come for CARICOM to treat it as such, with the urgency, resources, and political will the sector demands,” said the Minister.

Tourism Minister to Attend Celebration of New Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, May 11, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has departed the island to participate in the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 trade show in Antigua and Barbuda from May 12–15, where regional leaders, hoteliers, tour operators, airlines, travel advisors and other tourism stakeholders will engage in high-level discussions and business meetings aimed at strengthening Caribbean tourism competitiveness, connectivity and collaboration. The annual marketplace, organised by the CHTA, is regarded as the Caribbean’s premier tourism business event and will feature several days of strategic engagements, including business appointments between buyers and suppliers, the Caribbean Travel Forum, Responsible Tourism Day activities and the Direct Booking Summit focused on digital marketing, artificial intelligence and technology trends shaping the future of tourism.

Minister Bartlett Salutes Godfrey Dyer’s 14 Years of Exemplary Service KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, April 30, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has named Ryan Parkes, Group Chief Executive Officer of Island Car Rentals and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS), as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), effective May 1, 2026. The appointment, recently approved by Cabinet, was announced at the Ministry’s One-day Strategic Visioning Retreat held on April 22 at the AC Marriott Hotel. In making the announcement, Minister Bartlett also paid tribute to the outgoing TEF Chairman, Hon. Godfrey Dyer, whose 14-year tenure at the helm of the TEF represents the longest record of chairmanship in the fund’s history and one of the longest across government.

TREASURE BEACH, St. Elizabeth; Tuesday, April 28, 2026: With tourism activities along the island’s South Coast now up and running in tandem with other major resort areas, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is attributing the expeditious recovery of the sector to trust and confidence in the destination’s ability to delivery on what is promised. Minister Bartlett wrapped up a two-day South Coast tour recently under the theme “South Coast Strong: St. Bess Is Back,” signalling visible momentum in the parish, demonstrating confidence in the post hurricane Melissa recovery of tourism activity and highlighting the strength of the South Coast’s diversified product. The tour stretched from Mandeville, Manchester to Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth and included hotels and attractions, with each sending a resounding message that they are back and open for business, having recovered in record time from the impact of the powerful hurricane.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Friday, April 17, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has paid tribute to former Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Hugh C. Hart, OJ, on his passing, describing him as a distinguished Jamaican whose life of service left an enduring mark on the nation’s tourism sector, public life and economic development. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the Honourable Hugh C. Hart, OJ, and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. Jamaica has lost a devoted son—an accomplished attorney, distinguished statesman and committed public servant whose life’s work helped to shape our nation,” said Minister Bartlett. Minister Bartlett noted that Mr. Hart’s tenure as Minister of Tourism from 1984 to 1989 coincided with an important period in Jamaica’s tourism development and international visibility.