Government of Jamaica

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News Releases

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (1st L) shares a moment with (L-R) Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, Edna Ray, Senior Manger Regional Sales at Air Canada, Dr. Lois Stewart Archer, Hon Consul of Jamaica for Winnipeg and Donovan White, Director of Tourism following a successful Destination Update seminar with Travel Advisors on Wednesday October 28, 2026.

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Bartlett – ‘Melissa tested our strength, but it has not reduced the world’s desire to experience Jamaica’ KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday November 2, 2026; One year after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, the island’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, with visitor arrivals approaching three million and international demand continuing to support the sector’s recovery. The projected milestone underscores the enduring strength of Brand Jamaica and the determination of tourism workers and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to restore the sector. Jamaica welcomed 2.34 million visitors between January and August 2026, generating US$2.5 billion in tourism earnings, according to figures released by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). The performance was achieved while the island continued to operate with reduced hotel room capacity as properties repaired, renovated and upgraded their facilities following the storm.

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Bartlett to Participate in WTTC Global Summit in Saudi Arabia

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 28, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is heading a team of Caribbean tourism officials to Saudi Arabia to cement a major multi-destination tourism arrangement with leading airlines in the Middle East.

Bartlett Calls for Greater Investment in Local Health & Wellness Tourism Industry

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA; November 25, 2022: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett says that Jamaica's natural resources and geographic location make the island well-positioned to be a leader in the health and wellness tourism industry. He, therefore, called for greater investment to be made in the industry to ensure sustainable growth.

Local Farmers Earn $125 Million from Tourism Agri-Linkages Exchange Project in 2022

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 24, 2022: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that between January and October of this year, farmers sold just under J$125 million of produce through the tourism Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) online platform.

Bartlett – Canada, Jamaica Agree to New Era of Cooperation to Strengthen Tourism

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Friday, November 18, 2022: The long-established relationship between Jamaica and Canada, its second largest tourism market, has been strengthened with an agreement reached yesterday to enter a new era of cooperation and collaboration in tourism, resilience and sustainability.

Bartlett – Jamaica Secures 283,000 Seats Out of Canada – Well Ahead of 2019 Numbers

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Tuesday, November 15, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has reported success in increasing airline seats out of Canada, Jamaica’s second largest visitor market. “So far, we have been successful in commitments that will see the number of airline seats at a record 283,000 out of Canada to Jamaica this winter; 26,000 more seats than was recorded in 2019, pre-COVID-19,” he announced this afternoon. These are from major travel partners such as Air Canada Vacations, WestJet, Transat and Sunwing.

Bartlett To Meet With Travel Partners And Investors In Canada

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Monday, November 14, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and a team of senior tourism officials will meet with travel partners and investors in Canada, Jamaica’s second largest visitor market, in an effort to increase arrivals to the destination and foster further investment in the tourism industry.