Government of Jamaica

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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.

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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.

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Bartlett Lauds Bahia Principe on the Appointment of its First Jamaican Country Manager

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 11, 2022: Jamaica's largest hotel, Bahia Principe, has announced the appointment of Brian Sang as its first Jamaican Country Manager. The news was welcomed by Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett who noted that the announcement is in keeping with his Ministry's goal of having more Jamaicans in leadership roles within the sector.

Bartlett Promotes Jamaica's Tourism Industry During Sky News Interview

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 07, 2022: Jamaica's Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett was today interviewed on the UK's Sky News , one of the largest news organizations in the world , to discuss the island's COVID-19 recovery efforts and impressive Winter Tourist Season figures.

Minister Bartlett Lauds New Sandals Investment

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; December 24, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has hailed a multi-million US dollar investment by Sandals Resorts International as the kind of positive development that needs to be highlighted amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CDC Lowers Jamaica COVID-19 Travel Risk to Level Two Designation

KINGSTON, Jamaica; December 23, 2021: Jamaica has been downgraded from a Level 3 to a Level 2 designation by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recognition of the country's efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 effectively. This new classification places the destination in a risk category lower than that of more than 70 per cent of countries worldwide.

Bartlett Makes Impassioned Plea To Protect Tourism

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Wednesday, December 22, 2021: Against the background of tourism being the backbone of the recovering Jamaican economy, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has made an impassioned plea for the protection of the industry.

Jamaica Wins Several Major Accolades at World Travel Awards Winners Day

KINGSTON, Jamaica; December 17, 2021: Jamaica secured several major accolades yesterday (December 16) during a special World Travel Awards Winners Day presentation in Dubai. Jamaica was named the 'World's Leading Cruise Destination,' 'World's Leading Family Destination,' and 'World's Leading Wedding Destination' for 2021 by the World Travel Awards, the global authority that recognizes and honours excellence in travel and tourism.