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Seated, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (C) with Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) (L) and Cynthia Holmes, Dean, Ted Rogers School of Management, TMU. Sharing in the moment are standing L-R, Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Donnette Chin-Loy, Chancellor TMU and Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada. The occasion was the tour of the University to discuss tourism opportunities and partnership.

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Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation to Partner with Toronto Metropolitan University to Elevate Tourism Workforce Development

TORONTO, Canada; Thursday October 8, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has announced that initial discussions have started to have the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI) and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) collaborate to develop comprehensive training and certification programs for tourism professionals across Jamaica. This groundbreaking partnership will aim to strengthen the capabilities of Jamaica's tourism workforce by providing world-class professional development opportunities that align with international industry standards. The collaboration will leverage TMU's extensive expertise in hospitality and tourism education alongside JCTI's deep understanding of the Caribbean tourism landscape. “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our commitment to building a highly skilled, globally competitive tourism workforce,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. “By working with Toronto Metropolitan University, we're bringing internationally recognized training standards to Jamaica while ensuring our programs reflect the unique strengths of Caribbean hospitality.”

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Bartlett Cautions Against Rush for COVID-19 Vaccine Passport

KINGSTON, Jamaica; March 13, 2021: At a recent keynote presentation during the largest travel trade show, ITB Berlin, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett cautioned against rushing towards creating a COVID-19 vaccination passport based on the current rate of vaccine distribution.

TEF to Host Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival Virtually

KINGSTON, Jamaica; March 10; 2021: In keeping with national COVID-19 protocols, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), through its Tourism Linkages Network division, will be hosting the highly anticipated Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival in a virtual format, on Saturday, March 13, 2021.

Gastronomy Forum Series to Boost Readiness for Tourism Rebound - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; March 8, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has outlined that the latest initiative by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), through its Tourism Linkages Network division, to host a virtual gastronomy forum series, will aid in preparing the culinary industry for the rebound of the tourism sector, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bartlett Congratulates Jakes Hotel on Condé Nast and Telegraph Rankings

KINGSTON, Jamaica; March 1, 2021: Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett has extended heartfelt congratulations to the management and staff of Jakes Hotel in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth after the property was listed among the top family vacation spots globally by luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveller, and also named among the best boutique hotels in the Caribbean by the Daily Telegraph.

Fair and United Approach Needed in Global Distribution of Vaccines - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; February 25, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has called for a fair and united approach to the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, amid growing criticism worldwide, that advanced countries are hoarding supplies of vaccines, while poor countries are not being given access to the life-saving medication. This he feels further threatens the economic recovery of tourism dependent states and the global economy overall.

Jetblue CEO Issues Apology to Jamaican Government and People of Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica; February 16, 2021: Chief Executive Officer of JetBlue Airways, Robin Hayes, issued a personal apology to the Jamaican Government and the people of Jamaica earlier today, following the recent controversial actions of one of the company’s employees. Mr. Hayes conveyed his sentiments during a phone call with Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, who has welcomed the apology.

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