News Releases

Tourism Minister Delivers Inaugural Don Hawkins Distinguished Lecture WASHINGTON D.C., United States; Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has honoured late tourism scholar Professor Donald E. Hawkins at the inaugural Don Hawkins Distinguished Lecture at the George Washington University School of Business, describing him as a “national hero of tourism” for his contribution to Jamaica’s tourism development. Speaking at the event in Washington D.C. recently, Bartlett said Hawkins played an important role in helping to shape key aspects of Jamaica’s tourism architecture, particularly in the areas of human capital development, institutional strengthening and professionalisation. “Don Hawkins was not born on Jamaican soil. But in the story of Jamaica’s tourism transformation, he belongs to our national journey. In the language of gratitude, and in the language of impact, we honour him as a national hero of tourism,” Bartlett said.

Minister Bartlett Undertakes High-level Engagements with Tourism Partners KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, April 7, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is currently in Washington, D.C., where he is undertaking a series of high-level engagements, including delivering the inaugural Don Hawkins Distinguished Lecture at the George Washington University School of Business. The lecture, scheduled for Thursday, April 9, will form part of the university’s official tribute to the late Professor Donald E. Hawkins and will be delivered under the theme, “From Jamaica to the World: A Global Contribution to Tourism Resilience.” Since arriving in the U.S. capital, Minister Bartlett has engaged in a robust schedule of activities aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s tourism partnerships and expanding its global footprint. Earlier today, he appeared on Fox 5 Morning and held strategic meetings with representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at its headquarters, followed by a luncheon with the IDB Board of Directors. The day’s engagements will conclude with a reception with travel agents, reinforcing Jamaica’s marketing push within the U.S. market.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, April 7, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is currently in Washington, D.C., where he is undertaking a series of high-level engagements, including delivering the inaugural Don Hawkins Distinguished Lecture at the George Washington University School of Business. The lecture, scheduled for Thursday, April 9, will form part of the university’s official tribute to the late Professor Donald E. Hawkins and will be delivered under the theme, “From Jamaica to the World: A Global Contribution to Tourism Resilience.” Since arriving in the U.S. capital, Minister Bartlett has engaged in a robust schedule of activities aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s tourism partnerships and expanding its global footprint. Earlier today, he appeared on Fox 5 Morning and held strategic meetings with representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at its headquarters, followed by a luncheon with the IDB Board of Directors. The day’s engagements will conclude with a reception with travel agents, reinforcing Jamaica’s marketing push within the U.S. market.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, March 12, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has been named Tourism Minister of the Year – Worldwide by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contribution to global tourism development. The award was presented recently at the 26th PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit & PATWA International Travel Awards, which celebrates excellence, innovation and leadership within the international travel and tourism industry. Minister Bartlett’s recognition reflects his longstanding advocacy for tourism resilience, sustainability and innovation, as well as his instrumental role in shaping policies that have strengthened Jamaica’s tourism sector and influenced global best practices. Minister Bartlett reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the industry and building stronger, future-ready tourism frameworks worldwide. “I have dedicated my career to strengthening tourism as a driver of economic growth, opportunity and global connectivity,” he said.

Jamaica has secured six major honours at the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) International Travel Awards, including the coveted Destination of the Year title, with S Hotel Jamaica and the Montego Bay Convention Centre also earning top accolades, further reinforcing the island’s standing as a global leader in tourism excellence. The prestigious honour was presented recently at the 26th PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit & PATWA International Travel Awards, which recognizes excellence, innovation and leadership across the global travel and tourism industry. Jamaica’s designation underscores the island’s strong tourism performance, strategic global marketing, resilient recovery efforts and continued investment in sustainable development. The award reflects the destination’s ability to deliver authentic cultural experiences, world-class accommodations and warm hospitality, while maintaining its standing as one of the Caribbean’s leading tourism economies.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, delivered a wide-ranging address recently during a high-level panel discussion on poly-crisis and its impact on the global tourism industry, underscoring both the profound vulnerabilities and remarkable resilience of tourism as the world’s most important economic activity. Speaking before an international audience of tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders at ITB Berlin, the Minister emphasised that tourism operates at the intersection of geophysical, climatic, maritime, and political forces — making it uniquely susceptible to global disruption, yet equally capable of recovery and growth. “We are the most vulnerable of all economic activities on planet Earth,” the Minister stated, “but we also have the capacity to respond, to recover, to bounce forward — not bounce back — and to thrive thereafter.”