Government of Jamaica

News Releases

News Releases

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.

Featured News Releases

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.”

All News Releases

Bartlett to Participate in African Tourism Investment Summit

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, April 3, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett will today (April 3) join government ministers, finance executives and administrators from South Africa, Botswana, Spain and Sierra Leone on a Ministerial Roundtable titled: “Developing a Sustainable Tourism Industry in Africa by Integrating Cultural, Environment, Good Governance and Social Concerns”. The roundtable is one of the highlights of the African Tourism Investment Summit being held from April 3-5, 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa, under the theme: “Revitalizing Investment in Sustainable Tourism on the African Continent”.

Bartlett Calls for Public Order in Public Spaces

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Monday, April 3, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has thrown down the gauntlet against disorderly behaviour, especially in resort areas. “I want to say very loudly that Destination Assurance is fully predicated on public order. And the Ministry of Tourism and the tourism sector stand squarely behind the Ministry of National Security to secure and ensure public order in the public spaces of Jamaica,” he declared.

Destination Assurance Key to Tourism Success – Bartlett

NEGRIL, Hanover, Monday, March 27, 2023: The Ministry of Tourism has begun national public consultations ahead of presenting its Destination Assurance Framework and Strategy (DAFS) to Parliament for approval as a White Paper.

Kingston Cops Award for Best Creative Destination for 2023

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Friday, March 24, 2023: Jamaica's vibrant cultural capital, Kingston, beat out 152 entrants from 28 nations to be selected Best Creative Destination for 2023 by the jury of the 9th Creative Tourism Awards.

Bartlett Presents PM Holness' Vision & Plans for Negril

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Saturday, March 24, 2023: Both the Hanover parish capital, Lucea, and the popular resort of Negril are being earmarked for major development to enhance them as tourist towns.

Minister Bartlett Welcomes Resurgence of Villas Sub-Sector

DISCOVERY BAY, St Ann, Jamaica; March 20, 2023: With the local hotel room-stock set to grow by 20,000 new rooms over the next five to ten years, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has welcomed a resurgence of the villas sub-sector.