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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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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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Minister Bartlett Projects Full Return of Cruise by October 2021

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 2, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says based on current projections he expects the full return of the cruise industry in Jamaica between August and October of this year. This he notes is dependent on COVID-19 management and an increased percentage of vaccinated persons across the island.

Tourism Transportation Sub-Sector to Benefit from $70 Million Loan Facility

KINGSTON, Jamaica; June 30, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jamaica National Small Business Loans Ltd (JNSBL) to make $70 million accessible to operators in the tourism ground transportation sub-sector, who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jamaica and Saudi Arabia to Sign Document of Intent to Boost Air Connectivity

KINGSTON, Jamaica; June 25, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that Jamaica and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to sign a document of intent, to aid in boosting air connectivity between the Middle East and the Caribbean.

Redouble Efforts to Facilitate Speedy Recovery of Tourism Globally - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; June 24, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is calling on global and regional tourism stakeholders to redouble their efforts to facilitate the speedy recovery of the international tourism industry and by extension the global economy. Minister Bartlett made the call as he chaired the blended staging of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) 66th Regional Commission of the Americas (CAM), today (June 24 th).

Tourism Driving Jamaica’s Economic Recovery Since Reopening

KINGSTON, Jamaica; June 22, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that since its reopening in June 2020, the tourism sector has been driving the economic recovery of Jamaica’s economy, through a steady increase in arrivals and tourism earnings.

Consultations Underway to Address Gaps in Tourism Supply Chain

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; June 21, 2021: Preparations are in high gear to enable Jamaican producers to better meet the demands of a revived tourism industry. To this end, the Ministry of Tourism is working in tandem with the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, and has initiated a series of high level meetings to finalize the requisite arrangements.

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