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

Minister Bartlett Earns Top Global Tourism Honour at PATWA Awards

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

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (at podium), addresses a captive audience of executive members, hoteliers and allied members of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), at the organization’s 64th annual general meeting, at Dreams Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Minister Bartlett was the guest speaker at the opening ceremony.

Legislation to be Introduced to Fuel Greater Use of Local Supplies in Tourism

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, July 1, 2025: The Ministry of Tourism’s drive to increase the use of local products and services in the hospitality sector, is to receive a major legislative boost. While addressing the 64th annual general meeting of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) at Dreams Rose Hall Resort over the weekend, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett told hoteliers and their allied members to expect legislation that will boost the use of local supplies across the industry.

Bartlett Eyes Bold Path Towards Affordable Housing & Economic Inclusion

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, June 30, 2025: The Ministry of Tourism has taken another bold step toward securing the future of Jamaica’s tourism workers with the official onboarding of NCB Insurance Agency and Fund Managers Limited (NCBIA) as one of the investment managers of the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS). The move, announced during a contract signing ceremony held earlier today (June 30), signals a stronger push by the government to align economic security with broader social development goals, including affordable housing for tourism workers.

Thousands Benefit from Tourism Innovation & Human Capital Development Initiatives

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, June 26, 2025: The Ministry of Tourism is recording unprecedented success in youth engagement, innovation, and skills training as it accelerates efforts to make tourism a dynamic engine of opportunity for all Jamaicans. This was underscored by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett during his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in Parliament recently. Minister Bartlett, outlined a series of groundbreaking accomplishments under the theme “Thrive in 2025: Linking Tourism to Every Jamaican’s Success.”

Success of ALEX Platform Proves That Tourism is Driving Agricultural Growth

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, June 23, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and proudly Jamaican tourism industry—one that links every citizen to national prosperity. In his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation delivered in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 17, Minister Bartlett highlighted the remarkable strides made by the Tourism Linkages Network (TLN), a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), especially in driving agricultural growth through the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) platform.

Jamaica Expands Global Reach as Tourism Market Diversification Bears Fruit

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Friday, June 20, 2025: Despite global headwinds in 2024, Jamaica’s tourism industry remained stable and registered continued success in penetrating emerging markets, according to Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who delivered his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in Parliament on Tuesday, June 17. The address, themed “Thrive in 2025: Linking Tourism to Every Jamaican’s Success,” emphasized an expansion in focus from visitor numbers and hotel developments to a broader vision of tourism as a driver of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable national economic growth.

Cruise Tourism Surge to Boost Agriculture and Manufacturing Sectors

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, June 19, 2025: With cruise passengers accounting for a significant number of tourists to the island, the Ministry of Tourism is targeting an increase in this sub-sector of the travel industry.

Contact Information

64 Knutsford Boulevard,
Kingston 5, Jamaica

(876) 920-4926-30

info@mot.gov.jm