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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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Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (center) engages in a light conversation with Brazilian Tourism Minister, Hon. Celso Sabino (left) and Governor of the State of Maranhão, Carlos Brandão in São Luís, Brazil, following the recent signing of a sustainable tourism Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) and Brazil's Ministry of Tourism.

Jamaica and Brazil Partner Promote Tourism Resilience

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, August 22, 2024: The Jamaica based Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) and Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate cooperation in boosting tourism resilience. The areas of cooperation covered under the MOU include: Climate resilience in tourism; Entrepreneurial tourism resilience; Tourism security resilience; and Tourism pandemic resilience.

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.

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