Government of Jamaica

News Releases

News Releases

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (L) beams as he accepts the Tourism Minister of the Year – Worldwide award from Yatan Ahluwalia, Secretary General, Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) at the recent 26th PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit & PATWA International Travel Awards.

Featured News Releases

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.

All News Releases

Bartlett Congratulates New JHTA President Russell

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Monday, October 31, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has lauded the newly-elected President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), hotelier Robin Russell, and Immediate Past President Clifton Reader for their strong support of initiatives behind the successful recovery of the tourism industry from the devastating fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bartlett to Share Insights at ‘A World for Travel’ Tourism Forum

KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 25, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is slated to share insights on ways to boost the resilience and sustainability of the global tourism industry, during a series of high-level international discussions and meetings with international tourism partners, when he attends the much anticipated ‘A World for Travel’ tourism forum.

Minister Bartlett to Attend 28th FCCA Cruise Conference

KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 10, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is set to participate in several high-level meetings with major players in the cruise tourism industry as he attends the 28th Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference, which will be held in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic, from October 11-14, 2022.

Jamaicans Must Embrace a Culture of Service Excellence

KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 5, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has called on Jamaicans to embrace a culture of delivering excellent customer service, noting that it is the driving force behind successful businesses and industries globally.

JAMAICA EARNS US 5.7 BILLION SINCE REOPENING

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, October 3, 2022 – Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund has announced that Jamaica has earned US 5.7 billion since reopening its borders in June 2020. The data also shows that the island welcomed over five million visitors over the same period. The announcement follows the destination’s strong tourism recovery efforts that saw its best summer ever according to arrivals figures.

Experts Say Opportunities In Tourism Limitless

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Monday, October 3, 2022: Entrepreneurs with an interest in the tourism industry have been urged not to limit themselves but be open to exploring the limitless opportunities that present themselves for profitable investment.