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.

Having long championed Jamaica owning the supply side of its tourism industry, Minister Bartlett said “we are now actively working to make it happen” with the supply capacity level being studied, especially bearing in mind that the hotel sector is now pivoting to boost luxury accommodation.

 “This will be achieved through the ministry’s ‘Local First Initiative’ which will pass legislation and implement incentives to ensure greater participation of Jamaican manufacturers, farmers, creatives, and professionals in the tourism supply chain,” Minister Bartlett later explained.

“It’s a new requirement and following that study, the ministry will move to have consultation with entrepreneurial partners in the various areas, and also to look for foreign investments in these areas because we do recognize that the demand is going to be so strong that Jamaica’s capacity alone to supply is not going to be sufficient,” said Minister Bartlett. He is satisfied that: “This approach ensures more local money stays in local hands and circulates through our communities.” 

The initiative builds directly on the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) online platform’s success and Jamaica’s achievement of 40.8% tourism dollar retention. 

The ALEX platform connects local farmers directly with hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-linked buyers, helping reduce spoilage, cut imports as well as boost rural incomes, and has been a major win for local farmers, especially those supplying the tourism sector. In the first four months of this year, farmers earned over J$100 million through ALEX and in 2024, farmers supplied 4.3 million kilograms of produce valued at $452.8 million to the tourism industry through the digital platform. 

On the matter of the tourism industry pivoting more towards luxury accommodation, Minister Bartlett said the time had come for this new thrust. He said Unico is expected to welcome its first guests in January 2026 and ground is to be broken shortly for the Hard Rock hotel next door. 

Meanwhile, the Minister underscored that with over US$4 billion in investments, over the next five years the sector will also see the construction of the mega luxurious 33-storey Moon Palace hotel in the Rose Hall area with Harmony Cove coming on stream in Trelawny. This is in addition to Viva Wyndham in Negril, the Bahia Principe multi-use expansion and two new Sandals properties in Montego Bay and Runaway Bay, as well as a number of existing properties expanding their room count.

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.

While applauding the continued growth of the scheme, now valued at nearly J$4 billion, with around 10,000 registered members, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, revealed a groundbreaking policy direction for the future of TWPS.

“When we get to J$10 billion in savings, we will seek to develop a framework to support tourism worker housing,” declared Minister Bartlett. “Our intention is to facilitate a strategic partnership between the National Housing Trust (NHT) and local commercial banks and mortgage entities, to offer the lowest mortgage rates in Jamaica for our tourism workers. That’s the kind of social mobility that structured savings can unlock,” he added. 

Minister Bartlett emphasized that the TWPS is not just a social protection mechanism, but a strategic economic tool to fuel domestic investment, reduce capital leakage, and improve quality of life. He shared that this idea was inspired by an encounter with a 78-year-old tourism worker who, despite serving the industry for decades, had no retirement security.

“That was the moment that drove us to act. We’re not just investing in pensions; we’re investing in people, in dignity, and in the promise of a better tomorrow for the men and women who have made Jamaica a tourism powerhouse,” Bartlett noted.

NCBIA, appointed under a three-year contract, joins the fund’s investment management structure to help maximize returns for scheme members and secure the fund’s long-term growth. 

Ryan Parkes, Chairman of the TWPS Board of Trustees, underscored the importance of diversified fund management. He said: “This partnership with NCBIA helps ensure optimal fund performance while upholding our promise to Jamaica’s tourism workers—some of whom have served the industry for 40 or 50 years. They deserve a dignified retirement, and this scheme is making that possible.”

Antonio Spence, Head of NCBIA, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible stewardship, saying: “This is more than fund management, it’s a mission.” Spence noted that: “At NCBIA, we want every tourism worker to retire with the peace of mind that their future is secure. We are honoured to be part of this transformative national project.”

The groundbreaking scheme, which became effective on January 31, 2020, is designed to cover all workers ages 18-59 years in the tourism sector, whether permanent, contract or self-employed. Seeded with J$1 billion from the Government of Jamaica, the scheme is administered by Guardian Life Limited.

The tourism minister further noted that with the TWPS now growing at a rate of approximately J$100 million per month, its future looks promising, not only as a pension fund but also as a nation-building engine. “We are not just welcoming visitors to Jamaica. We are building a society that values and empowers its workers through pensions, through housing, and through hope,” Minister Bartlett stressed.

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.”

One of the clearest signs of this inclusive vision is the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s (TEF) Tourism Innovation Incubator, which Minister Bartlett described as a “remarkable success.” The 2024 cohort received 222 applications between April 12 and May 6, representing a 553% increase compared to 2022. From those, nineteen outstanding teams advanced, developing cutting-edge business ideas spanning virtual reality experiences, underwater tourism, transportation innovations, sustainability solutions, and AI-powered visitor personalization tools.

“These entrepreneurs have participated in an intensive boot camp in partnership with TechBeach Retreat. They focused on digital prototyping, business development, and market research to prepare for the successful commercialization of their innovations,” Minister Bartlett noted. He highlighted that the programme culminated in a pitch event where entrepreneurs engaged potential investors and partners to turn their ideas into reality.

Among the standout success stories is Dr. Duane Chambers, winner of TEF’s 2023 Tourism Innovation Incubator, who used his healthcare background to launch Caribbean Front Desk, a platform that unites cultural and medical wellness. “Caribbean Front Desk revitalizes Jamaica’s wellness identity by driving measurable economic benefit through wellness tourist spending and business opportunities for local providers. In essence, the Incubator has facilitated the transition from concept to execution, positioning Caribbean Front Desk as a flagship innovation in Jamaica’s tourism transformation,” said Minister Bartlett. 

Equally significant are the Ministry’s achievements in human capital development, led by the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI), a division of TEF. Minister Bartlett noted that since its inception in 2017, “the JCTI has certified over 20,000 workers through internationally benchmarked certification in partnership with Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA), HEART NSTA Trust, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), and American Culinary Federation (ACF).”

Between April 2024 and March 2025, the JCTI registered 3,100 candidates, of which 2,746 earned certification, reflecting an outstanding 89% pass rate. “No destination can succeed without skilled, professional, and passionate people delivering exceptional experiences to visitors,” the tourism minister affirmed.

Bartlett further noted that various forms of certification were earned across multiple institutions: 1,995 through the AHLEI and the National Restaurant Association; 686 through HEART NSTA Trust, and 65 through the ACF. “Our Guest Service Gold programme produced 1,289 Certified Guest Service Professionals. This shows our commitment to elevating the visitor experience through service excellence,” Minister Bartlett reported.

The tourism minister also revealed that TEF’s Summer Internship Programme continues to play a key role in bridging the gap between education and employment. “In 2024, we received over 16,000 applications and successfully placed over 1,120 interns with 167 employers. These young people gained valuable industry experience and professional certifications that prepare them for leadership roles in Jamaica’s tourism future,” Minister Bartlett disclosed.

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.

“We are not engaging in political rhetoric or making empty promises,” Minister Bartlett declared. “We are referring to concrete actions, measurable results, and transformational initiatives that connect our primary industry to the broader economy,” he added. 

Among the most tangible results is the resounding success of ALEX, an innovative digital platform that connects local farmers directly with hotels and other tourism entities, eliminating the middleman and streamlining the farm-to-table supply chain. As of April 2025, the platform has already generated J$100 million for farmers this year alone, after facilitating over J$450 million worth of produce sales, amounting to approximately 3 million kilograms, in 2024.

“These figures represent more than statistics. They represent economic empowerment for our farmers who now have guaranteed markets, a reduction in foreign exchange leakage, enhanced food security, and sustainable agricultural practices aligned with tourism demand,” the Minister noted. Currently, approximately 2,000 farmers are registered on ALEX. However, the impact of tourism on agriculture extends far beyond the platform. “Many more billions are made via other arrangements involving small, medium, and large farmers and entities,” Minister Bartlett emphasized.

In addition to the success of ALEX, the Ministry, through TEF, is advancing strategic agricultural partnerships through initiatives like the Community Farming Project, which supports the cultivation of lime and lemon trees in seven parishes. The project targets direct demand from the tourism sector, where citrus is essential in cuisine, beverages, and aromatherapy experiences for visitors.

Minister Bartlett also highlighted the Ministry’s swift response to recent climate challenges. Following the impact of Hurricane Beryl and prolonged rainfall on key farming operations, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) provided support to farmers participating in their Strawberry Project. This included providing protective greenhouses, replacement infrastructure, and planting materials, reinforcing resilience in the face of extreme weather and supply chain shocks.

“The work of the Tourism Linkages Network stands as a cornerstone of our strategy. Tourism is deeply interconnected with nearly every sector of the economy. The multiplier effect is real and powerful,” Bartlett said. He explained that tourism currently contributes to 15 per cent of construction, 10 per cent of banking and finance, 20 per cent of manufacturing, and 21 per cent of utilities, agriculture, and fisheries. This interconnectedness, the tourism minister argued, underscores why the government remains “laser focused on deepening tourism linkages” and “owning the supply side of the industry.”

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.

Minister Bartlett declared that the Government’s goal is to construct a tourism sector that touches the lives of every Jamaican, from farmers and artisans to tech innovators and young entrepreneurs. “Tourism is not a privilege for a few; it is a national asset that belongs to all of us,” he said. “We are creating shared opportunities across the value chain, from Negril’s white sand beaches to Morant Point’s rugged coastline,” Bartlett added. 

Reflecting on the sector’s performance in 2024, the tourism minister noted that Jamaica welcomed 4.15 million visitors, generating earnings of US$4.3 billion. Minister Bartlett provided important context for this performance, citing global challenges that included economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflict, high interest rates, inflation, travel advisories, and extreme weather events such as Hurricane Beryl. He cited other factors, such as the Boeing aircraft delivery crisis, cyber disruptions, and the impact of an election year in the United States, that also contributed to the volatility in international travel.

Notwithstanding these challenges, Jamaica’s market diversification strategy yielded encouraging results. Minister Bartlett said while the United States, Jamaica’s primary source market, saw a 4.1% decline in arrivals—attributed largely to domestic uncertainties—this was offset by robust growth from other regions. Notably, Europe, including the United Kingdom, recorded a 9.1% increase, and Canada posted a 6.2% rise in visitor numbers compared to 2023. 

Even more significant, the emerging markets of Latin America and the Caribbean experienced sharp increases of 13.2% and 25.1%, respectively. “These gains validate our investments in airlift development and targeted marketing in non-traditional markets,” Minister Bartlett noted. He continued, “we are seeing the tangible benefits of promoting Brand Jamaica across diverse regions.”

To support these efforts, the Government is investing heavily in air connectivity. Major upgrades are underway at both Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) and Sangster International Airport (MBJ), while increased flight activity at Ian Fleming International Airport and plans for a fourth international airport in Negril will expand Jamaica’s reach even further. These enhancements are designed to, among other things, accommodate modern wide-body aircraft and position Jamaica as one of the most connected destinations in the Caribbean.

The tourism minister also welcomed the recent decision by the U.S. government to adjust its travel advisory for Jamaica from Level 3 to Level 2, describing it as a significant milestone. He extended heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, whose diplomatic leadership was instrumental in the change, as well as to Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, for his pivotal support.

Minister Bartlett reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to leveraging tourism as a vehicle for inclusive national development. “Our aim is not merely to grow, but to thrive and to ensure that every Jamaican thrives with us,” he stressed.

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.

Having secured a landmark 1.2 million cruise passengers in 2024, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says through the Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC), a public body of the Ministry, “we will work with global partners to expand cruise tourism offerings that benefit locals directly, from new cruise village projects to craft and cultural showcases that demonstrate authentic Jamaican creativity.”

He noted that the visitors travelled to the island on ships operated by various leading cruise lines, including inaugural visits from prestigious vessels like Disney Treasure and Celebrity Ascent.

“Unlocking the Power of Cruise Tourism” is one of 15 strategic pillars that Minister Bartlett revealed to Parliament in his Sectoral Debate presentation on Tuesday (June 17, 2025), to guide the ministry’s work in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

He also mentioned that there has been a series of seminars with over 230 manufacturers coming together to explore creating a tourism supply logistics centre. What that will do, he pointed out, is to ensure that the supply needs are met. Underscoring the importance of this proposal, Minister Bartlett pointed out that “the wealth of tourism is in the supply side and there is a need to understand that it is the consumption pattern of the visitor that has to be met, and once that is met then the wealth stays in the destination.”

Minister Bartlett said: “We have been talking with some of our large partners, particularly the cruise lines, and they are ready and willing to take Jamaican manufactured goods.” 

Having been pushing that message over time, he felt that “we’re finally getting there and we’re looking at many other areas to meet the needs of the visitor and to secure a consumption pattern that will enable the wealth to stay in Jamaica.”

Minister Bartlett mentioned that under a special “Local First” initiative legislation is to be passed, and incentives introduced to ensure greater participation of Jamaican manufacturers, farmers, creatives, and professionals in the tourism supply chain. He said this approach is to ensure that more local money stays in Jamaican hands and circulates through communities. 

Citing the success of the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) digital platform, which links farmers directly with purchasing officers in hotels, Minister Bartlett said the new initiative being pursued builds directly on that framework and Jamaica’s achievement of 40.8% tourism dollar retention.

He highlighted the fact that “tourism has blossomed far beyond an industry—it has become the very heartbeat of Jamaica, fuelling prosperity, growth, and unity throughout every community and sector.” He added that “we have witnessed tourism ignite unprecedented growth in our agricultural fields, uplifting our farmers and revitalizing rural economies, and we have seen our manufacturing sector thrive, proudly delivering Jamaican-made goods that stand tall on the global stage.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, June 19, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has underscored his commitment to ensuring increased access for Jamaicans to beaches and that “every parish must have at least one world-class public beach that serves both residents and visitors.”

The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has an ongoing programme for the development of selected public beaches, and in his sectoral debate presentation on Tuesday (June 17), Minister Bartlett reiterated that this would continue as one component of the strategic vision for tourism growth in 2025/2026.

“Expanding beach access and quality will continue our work with the Urban Development Corporation to upgrade and develop more public beaches with clean, safe facilities and activities for families,” he pledged. For fiscal year 2025/26, comprehensive development is being planned for Priory Bathing and Fishing Beach, Success Beach in St. James and Paggee Beach in St. Mary, to include restaurants, bars, and commercial spaces to create economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs. 

Other features will include security posts, medical areas, and lifeguard facilities, wastewater infrastructure, parking, and facilities for differently abled persons and unique architectural features enhancing the beach experience while reflecting Jamaica's cultural aesthetic. 

The Ministry of Tourism will also continue to pursue housing accommodation for tourism workers concurrent with hotel room expansion, cognizant of the need for the workforce to enjoy an acceptable level of comfort.

Through negotiations for more affordable housing, the Ministry has forged partnerships with the Ministry of Housing, the National Housing Trust and private housing developers for units in Rhyne Park Estate and Grange Pen, St. James, to be acquired by tourism workers. Minister Bartlett has also welcomed pledges by four major international hotel investor groups combined, including RCD Hotels, Bahia Principe and Princess Resorts to construct over 2,000 residential units for industry employees and their families.

The TEF is also playing its role in the ministry’s “commitment to mandating and incentivizing resort developers to include on-site or nearby staff accommodations” by allocating J$500 million for worker housing under the HOPE programme, Minister Bartlett outlined.

“We will expand partnerships with the National Housing Trust (NHT), Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ), and private sector developers to construct affordable housing solutions for workers in all major resort towns,” indicated Minister Bartlett, highlighting that “this will ensure that those who cater to our visitors can live with dignity near their places of employment.”

Meanwhile, in driving the tourism workforce, a: “Boosting Youth through Tourism Innovation and Training” initiative will expand the Tourism Innovation Incubator, while the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI) certification programmes continue to reach persons island-wide.

“As we pursue our vision of linking tourism to every Jamaican's success, human capital development remains the cornerstone of our strategy because we understand that no destination can succeed without skilled, professional, and passionate people delivering exceptional experiences to visitors,” related Minister Bartlett, with JCTI leading efforts in this critical area with programmes transforming how Jamaicans prepare for and advance in tourism careers.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Wednesday, June 18, 2025: Having achieved phenomenal success with targets against all odds over the last decade, Jamaica’s tourism industry is being positioned for even greater growth through a strategic vision enunciated by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

Following an extensive review of the performance of Jamaica’s leading industry under his leadership, Minister Bartlett laid out in Parliament: “Fifteen Strategic Pillars for Inclusive Growth,” aimed at ensuring “tourism for all Jamaicans.”

In his 2025/2026 Sectoral Presentation yesterday, Mr. Bartlett presented a framework “for inclusive growth founded on 15 strategic pillars that will guide the work in tourism over the next fiscal year, ensuring that every Jamaican can participate in and benefit from tourism's continued success.”

With a resolve to make every Jamaican a tourism stakeholder through: "Shared Tourism Prosperity," Minister Bartlett said this approach is being taken to ensure more Jamaicans own, work in, and earn from the sector, achieving this “through comprehensive training and business grants, easier access to loans for small businesses, and tourism-linked jobs for people with diverse skills, from farmers to IT experts who can contribute to our industry's growth.”

Underscoring that: “It is clear we have set a course that leaves no community behind,” Minister Bartlett said this objective will also be achieved through an initiative dubbed: “New Frontiers Development” accelerating tourism expansion in untapped areas like St. Thomas, Clarendon, and Manchester, with planned eco-tourism, heritage trails, and luxury boutique resorts creating new jobs and spreading tourism dollars beyond traditional resort areas. 

This strategy aligns with Jamaica’s Blue Ocean Strategy, focusing on product differentiation and frontier tourism development.

While pursuing industry expansion, however, Minister Bartlett informed Parliament that emphasis will be placed on: “Climate-Smart and Resilient Tourism Development that will ensure that new tourism investments are climate-resilient and sustainable, safeguarding our beaches, marine ecosystems, and communities for future generations.” The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) will be expanded to train more workers and guide businesses in climate-smart practices that protect both the environment and economic interests. 

At the same time, given the importance of: “Protecting Heritage and Natural Assets,” the ministry’s public bodies will work with communities to restore and preserve cultural and heritage sites while supporting environmental tourism projects that create jobs and safeguard natural treasures for future generations to inherit.

Concurrently, the highly successful Spruce Up Jamaica initiative will be expanded and its funding doubled to assist in creating some of its programmes of beautification, tourism micro-projects, heritage upgrades, and job creation within communities to advance and promote tourism. 

Minister Bartlett stressed that tourism extended beyond the borders of the traditional resort areas and that the Spruce Up programme impacted all constituencies across the country through dozens of community beautification projects and temporary job creating opportunities, while also empowering local artisans to contribute to tourism development.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, May 26, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island yesterday (May 25) for Spain and the United States as part of a strategic overseas mission aimed at strengthening strategic tourism partnerships and advancing Jamaica’s leadership in the global tourism arena.

The trip will see him participating in a series of high-level meetings with key tourism stakeholders in Palma de Mallorca, Spain from May 26–28.

“These meetings with our global tourism partners are crucial as we continue to attract investment, deepen collaboration, and bolster Jamaica’s position as a leading tourist destination,” Minister Bartlett said. “Our discussions will focus on enhancing local tourism linkages, improving service delivery, and boosting tourism resilience in the face of a rapidly evolving global travel landscape,” he added. 

Following his engagements in Palma, Minister Bartlett will travel to Segovia, Spain, to participate in the 123rd Session of the Executive Council of UN Tourism, scheduled for May 29–30. Jamaica recently served as Second Vice-Chair of the Executive Council, reflecting the country’s continued influence in shaping global tourism policy.

“The Executive Council is the principal organ of UN Tourism, and this session will be a very crucial one as it will include the voting and recommendation from the representatives of the Executive Council for the next UN Tourism Secretary General. The session will also explore issues such as resilience, sustainability, and innovation that are vital not only for Jamaica’s tourism future but for the broader Caribbean and developing economies,” Minister Bartlett outlined.

The tourism minister’s itinerary continues in the United States, where he will participate in Caribbean Week in New York (CWNY) 2025, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) from June 1–6 under the theme “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism.”

On Monday, June 2, Minister Bartlett will deliver the keynote address at the CTO Leadership Luncheon, one of the premier events of the week, which brings together tourism leaders, investors, and Diaspora stakeholders.

“Caribbean Week is an unparalleled platform to showcase our collective strengths, chart new pathways for sustainable tourism, and engage our Diaspora in meaningful dialogue about the future of our region. The Caribbean must lead with vision and purpose as we navigate new realities and build a more inclusive and resilient tourism sector,” Bartlett said. 

Caribbean Week 2025 will also feature an exciting schedule of activities, including the Caribbean Media Marketplace; AI Masterclass; Council of Ministers Meeting; Women’s Leadership Awards; and the Caribbean Next-Gen Showcase, all designed to reinforce the region’s global positioning as a leader in sustainable tourism, culture, and innovation.

Minister Bartlett is scheduled to return to Jamaica following the conclusion of Caribbean Week.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, May 22, 2025: Global professional services firm Chemonics International and the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), which has its headquarters in Jamaica, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing the resilience of tourism destinations around the world. This collaboration brings together Chemonics' 50 years of sustainable development experience across 150 countries with GTRCMC's pioneering work in tourism resilience and crisis management.

"Tourism is a critical economic driver that supports millions of livelihoods, particularly for women, young people, and rural communities," said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. “Our partnership with Chemonics will strengthen the industry’s foundation and ensure its sustainable growth despite global challenges,” he added.

Tourism, the world's third-largest industry generating approximately $11.1 trillion and supporting nearly 348 million jobs globally, faces increasing challenges from climate change, economic volatility, and other crises. This collaboration addresses the urgent need to build more resilient tourism economies, particularly benefiting the small and medium-sized enterprises that dominate the sector.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainable tourism development," said Chemonics President and CEO Jamey Butcher. “By combining our global implementation expertise with GTRCMC's specialized knowledge in tourism resilience, we can make meaningful contributions to destinations' ability to withstand and recover from crises,” he noted.

The MOU will focus on three key objectives:

• Enhancing global tourism resilience through practical solutions and strategies
• Promoting thought leadership through international fora and conferences
• Catalyzing academic collaborations to establish resilience Centres worldwide

“The GTRCMC stands ready to improve the responsiveness of tourism dependent countries and this collaboration with Chemonics will provide the necessary expertise to do so,” said Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the GTRCMC.

The collaboration will include organizing international conferences, conducting joint research projects, and implementing capacity-building programmes for tourism stakeholders. These initiatives directly contribute to several United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive economic growth, sustainable consumption, and environmental conservation.