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.

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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.

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Pre-booked Carnival Cruise Ship to Arrive on Monday, September 13

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 12, 2021: The Carnival Sunrise cruise ship is scheduled to arrive in Ocho Rios on Monday, September 13, 2021 with approximately 1,700 cruise passengers onboard.

Tourism Officials Mourn Passing of Beloved Songbird Karen Smith

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 11, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and other tourism officials are mourning the passing of well-known and beloved singer, Karen Smith. Smith, who performed for decades as a cabaret singer across all resort areas, passed away earlier today.

Bartlett Extends Condolences to Family of St. Ann Hotelier Richard Salm

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 9, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has offered condolences to the relatives and friends of St. Ann hotelier, Richard Salm, who died in a motor vehicle crash yesterday, along the Llandovery main road in St. Ann.

Over 2,000 Tourism Workers Vaccinated in First Three Days of Vaccination Drive

OCHO RIOS, Jamaica; September 4, 2021: Well over 2,000 tourism workers have been vaccinated using one of three vaccines made available to them at a number of strategic blitz sites organized by the new Tourism Vaccination Task Force, in its first three days of major activities. The Task Force, which was established to facilitate the vaccination of all tourism workers island-wide, has organized a series of vaccination blitzes, with the first being held on August 30.

New Task Force Kick-Starts Tourism Worker Vaccination Drive Today - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 30, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has revealed that work by the newly named Tourism Vaccination Task Force, which was established to facilitate the vaccination of all tourism workers island-wide, is well underway, with the roll-out of vaccination sites locally. The task force has organized a series of vaccination blitzes, which officially begin today (August 30), at strategic sites across the island.

Jamaican Government Rewards Japanese Olympic Volunteer with Luxury Vacation

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 19, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett has announced that the Jamaica Tourist Board with the assistance of local stakeholders will be offering Japanese Olympic volunteer, Tijana Kawashima Stojkovic and a guest of her choosing, a special all-expense paid trip to Jamaica. The trip, which spans four parishes, will include visits to attractions as well as stays at five luxury hotels.

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