Minister Bartlett Salutes Godfrey Dyer’s 14 Years of Exemplary Service                                                                                      

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, April 30, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has named Ryan Parkes, Group Chief Executive Officer of Island Car Rentals and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS), as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), effective May 1, 2026. The appointment, recently approved by Cabinet, was announced at the Ministry’s One-day Strategic Visioning Retreat held on April 22 at the AC Marriott Hotel.

In making the announcement, Minister Bartlett also paid tribute to the outgoing TEF Chairman, Hon. Godfrey Dyer, whose 14-year tenure at the helm of the TEF represents the longest record of chairmanship in the fund’s history and one of the longest across government. 

“With your wisdom, and your sagacity, and the guidance that I know you bring, TEF is an agency that is now a central part of the tourism delivery mechanism, and I thank you for your exceptional leadership throughout the years,” noted Minister Bartlett. 

The process of identifying a successor was carried out in close consultation with the outgoing chairman, who recently opted to resign. It was through this process that Mr. Parkes emerged as the preferred candidate, with Minister Bartlett noting that his appointment carries the full endorsement of his predecessor.

“I don’t believe there is anyone alive today who has contributed more to the development of Jamaica’s tourism than this gentleman. For us, you are iconoclastic — an absolutely new designation,” the tourism minister stressed. 

Mr. Dyer chaired the TEF board during two distinct periods — from 2007 to 2011 during Minister Bartlett’s first tenure, and again from 2016 to 2025, accumulating more than 14 years of outstanding and consequential leadership. 

Under his stewardship, the TEF grew into a central pillar of Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure. An emotional Dyer, speaking briefly at the retreat, thanked the Minister, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Jennifer Griffith and the TEF team for the privilege of serving. 

“Under the leadership of Minister Bartlett and the Permanent Secretary, it was just easy to serve. The leadership of the Ministry was very efficient. They did so well. We must be honoured to have worked in this space,” he said. 

Over the years Mr. Parkes has garnered extensive experience in the financial sector and has held senior executive positions at several leading financial institutions across the island. In accepting the mantle, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the new role. “These are very big shoes to fill but with God’s help I will give it my best shot,” he said. Cabinet recently approved the appointment of Mr. Parkes as Chairman of the TEF, with effect from May 1, 2026 to November 23, 2028, when the tenure of the Board expires.

TREASURE BEACH, St. Elizabeth; Tuesday, April 28, 2026: With tourism activities along the island’s South Coast now up and running in tandem with other major resort areas, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is attributing the expeditious recovery of the sector to trust and confidence in the destination’s ability to delivery on what is promised.

Minister Bartlett wrapped up a two-day South Coast tour recently under the theme “South Coast Strong: St. Bess Is Back,” signalling visible momentum in the parish, demonstrating confidence in the post hurricane Melissa recovery of tourism activity and highlighting the strength of the South Coast’s diversified product. 

The tour stretched from Mandeville, Manchester to Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth and included hotels and attractions, with each sending a resounding message that they are back and open for business, having recovered in record time from the impact of the powerful hurricane. 

Mr. Bartlett was pleased that the South Coast clearly illustrated that tourism recovery was taking hold beyond the traditional resort centres as St. Elizabeth was affected not only by the direct disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa, but also by the softer reputational and confidence effects that tend to follow major weather events. He pointed to uncertainty among some travellers, caution among partners, and a tendency for public attention to remain fixed on loss rather than recovery. 

However, Minister Bartlett shared an encounter he had at Jakes Hotel, Treasure Beach with a couple that had booked their reservation a year ago but was about to cancel based on reports on the effect of the hurricane. However, upon hearing subsequently that Jamaica’s tourism sector would reopen on December 15, 2025, and that the hotel was again receiving guests, they kept their reservation. They expressed amazement that the property was not showing any signs of the impact of the storm. 

Minister Bartlett underscored that this is clear evidence that: “Tourism’s success is built on trust and confidence. That type of reassurance is bringing back visitors.” He credited stakeholders such as the architecturally beautiful Garden Hotel in Mandeville, (formerly the Mandeville Hotel) which is currently undergoing major expansion.

The tour also included Lashings Art Hotel & Beach Club in Treasure Beach; attractions including J. Charles Swaby’s Black River Safari; the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience  – back in operation after a brief closure; the very popular YS Falls and the legendary Lovers Leap, restored and reopened, with each offering an enhanced guest experience.

Minister Bartlett noted that the South Coast was central to Jamaica’s broader tourism story and offered a more diversified tourism experience, adding: “There is nowhere in the world that tourism and community have been as symbiotic as here in Treasure Beach. And this is not about community tourism, because tourism is about community; this is how tourism ought to be practiced. It’s insertion into the communities is for its enrichment, its development and its enhancement.”

The diversity of the South Coast tourism product spans hospitality, heritage, ecology, scenery, gastronomy and boutique lifestyle experiences. Discussion surrounding tourism in Mandeville suggests that with its various educational institutions, it is ideally suited to be developed for knowledge or edu-tourism. 

Minister Bartlett hinted at new initiatives to be introduced in the era of “Tourism 3.0,” as Jamaica continues to re-imagine the sector, build back stronger and strengthen the South Coast tourism infrastructure. 

The South Coast Confidence Tour was in continuation of a mission that began last December with Minister Bartlett leading a delegation comprising senior executives of the Ministry and its public bodies, along with stakeholders including representatives of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) for a first-hand look at restoration efforts within the resort areas and hearing directly from tourism partners.  

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Friday, April 17, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has paid tribute to former Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Hugh C. Hart, OJ, on his passing, describing him as a distinguished Jamaican whose life of service left an enduring mark on the nation’s tourism sector, public life and economic development.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of the Honourable Hugh C. Hart, OJ, and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. Jamaica has lost a devoted son—an accomplished attorney, distinguished statesman and committed public servant whose life’s work helped to shape our nation,” said Minister Bartlett.

Minister Bartlett noted that Mr. Hart’s tenure as Minister of Tourism from 1984 to 1989 coincided with an important period in Jamaica’s tourism development and international visibility.

“His leadership coincided with memorable milestones, including the historic arrival of the supersonic Concorde in 1986 and Jamaica surpassing one million stopover visitors in 1987. These were not only moments of national pride, but powerful signals of Jamaica’s growing confidence and standing on the world stage. Mr. Hart made a meaningful contribution to that progress and to the strengthening of tourism as a pillar of national development,” added Minister Bartlett.

The Tourism Minister also reflected on Mr. Hart’s wider contribution to Jamaica through his service in the Senate and in the portfolio of Mining and Energy, where he brought integrity, seriousness of purpose and thoughtful leadership to national decision-making. He also played an important role in supporting key sectors of the Jamaican economy through leadership in major public institutions connected to mining, energy and industrial development.

“Beyond the offices he held, Hugh Hart will be remembered as a man of discipline, dignity and duty. He served with steadiness, commanded respect across sectors, and exemplified a style of leadership rooted in substance rather than showmanship. His contribution to Jamaica extended well beyond any single portfolio,” Minister Bartlett said.

Mr. Hart also earned distinction in the legal profession and private sector, where his excellence and professionalism made him one of Jamaica’s most respected attorneys. His national contribution was formally recognised with the award of the Order of Jamaica for his service to the bauxite and alumina industry and the legal profession.

“As we remember his life, we honour not only his achievements, but also the example he set through steadfast service, sound judgment and unwavering commitment to country. His legacy will remain an enduring part of Jamaica’s national story and a source of inspiration to those called to serve. On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies, as well as the wider tourism fraternity, I extend sincere sympathies to those who mourn his passing. May his soul rest in peace,” Minister Bartlett added.

Tourism Minister Delivers Inaugural Don Hawkins Distinguished Lecture 

WASHINGTON D.C., United States; Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has honoured late tourism scholar Professor Donald E. Hawkins at the inaugural Don Hawkins Distinguished Lecture at the George Washington University School of Business, describing him as a “national hero of tourism” for his contribution to Jamaica’s tourism development.

Speaking at the event in Washington D.C. recently, Bartlett said Hawkins played an important role in helping to shape key aspects of Jamaica’s tourism architecture, particularly in the areas of human capital development, institutional strengthening and professionalisation. 

“Don Hawkins was not born on Jamaican soil. But in the story of Jamaica’s tourism transformation, he belongs to our national journey. In the language of gratitude, and in the language of impact, we honour him as a national hero of tourism,” Bartlett said.

The Tourism Minister highlighted Hawkins’ advisory support in the establishment of the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI), his role in developing the business case for Jamaica’s first hotel school, and his support for the development of artisan villages and the Craft Development Institute.

Bartlett said these initiatives helped to strengthen the systems supporting tourism growth in Jamaica by building workforce capacity, encouraging higher standards and supporting greater cultural authenticity within the sector.

He also linked Hawkins’ work to Jamaica’s broader focus on resilience in tourism, noting that strong institutions, trained workers and clear standards remain central to the sector’s long-term performance.

“Resilience depends on systems. It depends on trained people. It depends on standards. It depends on institutions that can mobilise knowledge quickly,” Bartlett said.

The lecture formed part of a wider programme recognising Hawkins’ contribution to global tourism policy and education. He died in December 2025.

Hawkins earned his PhD in park management from New York University and served for several years as the Eisenhower Chair of Tourism Policy at the George Washington University School of Business. He later became professor emeritus. Over the course of his career, he received several international honours, including the Ulysses Prize from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) in 2003 for his contribution to tourism knowledge and policy.

Bartlett encouraged students, faculty and tourism stakeholders to continue advancing tourism systems that are resilient, people-centred and inclusive, and said Jamaica would continue to benefit from the foundations Hawkins helped to lay.

Minister Bartlett Undertakes High-level Engagements with Tourism Partners

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, April 7, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is currently in Washington, D.C., where he is undertaking a series of high-level engagements, including delivering the inaugural Don Hawkins Distinguished Lecture at the George Washington University School of Business.

The lecture, scheduled for Thursday, April 9, will form part of the university’s official tribute to the late Professor Donald E. Hawkins and will be delivered under the theme, “From Jamaica to the World: A Global Contribution to Tourism Resilience.”

Since arriving in the U.S. capital, Minister Bartlett has engaged in a robust schedule of activities aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s tourism partnerships and expanding its global footprint. Earlier today, he appeared on Fox 5 Morning and held strategic meetings with representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at its headquarters, followed by a luncheon with the IDB Board of Directors. The day’s engagements will conclude with a reception with travel agents, reinforcing Jamaica’s marketing push within the U.S. market.

On April 8, the Minister will participate in further media engagements, including appearing on ABC Good Morning Washington, alongside a university lecture. He will also address the launch event for his latest publication co-authored with Professor Lloyd Waller: Destination Reputational Resilience at the Organization of American States (OAS) Headquarters, and attend a diaspora reception hosted at the Embassy of Jamaica.

On April 9, Minister Bartlett will continue high-level discussions with a meeting with representatives of UN Tourism and a meeting with officials at the World Bank Headquarters. He will also participate in a CW Living Local DMV interview before delivering the distinguished Don Hawkins lecture, followed by a reception with stakeholders.

“Engagements such as these are critical as we continue to position Jamaica as a global leader in tourism resilience and innovation post Hurricane Melissa. Our strategy is not only to recover but to grow stronger by deepening partnerships, expanding markets and strengthening confidence in Destination Jamaica,” Minister Bartlett noted.

He added: “This mission allows us to reinforce Jamaica’s presence in key markets while sharing our experiences and best practices in resilience, which have become increasingly relevant in today’s global tourism arena.”

Minister Bartlett is scheduled to return to Jamaica on April 11, 2026.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Tuesday, April 7, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS) is set to accumulate $10 billion in savings by the end of 2027, adding that $2 billion will be used as seed money to create a special Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to help safeguard the health of workers in the tourism industry.

Making the announcement at the reopening of the 57 luxury rooms and suites at the Eclipse boutique property at the Half Moon Resort, Minister Bartlett sought to assure tourism workers “that a new era is dawning for you.” He said the health scheme will be for every worker in the tourism industry.

“In addition, we are going to look at the laws and how to amend them to allow for a portion of your contribution to go directly to that fund, so that fund continues to accrete as it is managed, and you will be able to have social security on the part of retirement on the one hand, and social security on the part of health care on a constant basis on the other hand,” he explained.

Minister Bartlett also outlined that some 800 hotel workers are back on the job with the reopening of the Bahia Principe Hotel in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, which was forced to close in the wake of damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa last year. He also disclosed that “despite the impact of Melissa, Jamaica ended 2025 with total visitor arrivals of 3.7 million, comprising 2.6 million stop over visitors and 1.1 million cruise passengers, generating an estimated US$4.09 billion in earnings for Jamaica.” 

In keeping with a bold new vision articulated by the Ministry of Tourism to reimagine the sector with stronger infrastructure, expanded all-inclusive offerings, a renewed focus on destination assurance and a pivot to luxury, Minister Bartlett said the reopening of the Eclipse signaled the start of the pivot to luxury accommodation.

With some 200 rooms at Half Moon, and another 664 rooms at Bahia Principe brought back to the inventory on Wednesday, Minister Bartlett said: “The real importance of this recovery is one key word, jobs” which provides income and ultimately “means that the economy of Jamaica will come back to life and our well-being and prosperity will be secured again.”

Citing that Jamaica must remain a leader in recovery and resilience, Minister Bartlett said: “We must not be merely building back, we must be building forward with energy and with strength. We must build with a new, radical purpose.”

He posited that: “We stand today at the defining crossroads for Jamaican tourism. We are no longer simply recovering from the storms of the past, whether economic or natural. Instead, we are reimagining by the very DNA of our industry.”

Minister Bartlett also announced that plans are being concretized with the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to break ground for 2,250 houses for tourism workers in Grange Pen, St. James, adding to the 1,500 for which ground has already been broken with the National Housing Trust (NHT) and WIHCON as contractors. “So, just within your space, you will have pretty close to 4,000 houses for the workers of the tourism industry,” he said while addressing Eclipse workers.   

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. 

“This recognition reinforces the importance of innovation, resilience-building and strategic collaboration in safeguarding the future of tourism. My focus remains on ensuring that the industry continues to evolve in ways that are sustainable, inclusive and responsive to the challenges of a rapidly changing world,” he added.

Under Minister Bartlett’s leadership, tourism has been positioned as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive growth, through job creation, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), wealth creation and community transformation. He fervently believes that all Jamaicans should benefit from the success of this major economic earner. 

In this regard, he has championed the development of a social equity ecosystem that will give industry workers a greater sense of accomplishment, achievement and security.

The international accolade further reinforces Jamaica’s reputation as a thought leader in tourism resilience and highlights the country’s continued impact on the global tourism landscape under Minister Bartlett’s stewardship.

The accolade is the latest international award presented to Minister Bartlett by PATWA in recent years. Minister Bartlett’s previous awards include: PATWA Global Tourism Icon Award for outstanding contributions to the tourism industry, in 2024; PATWA International Travel Awards “Lifetime Achievement Award for Promotion of Sustainable Travel & Tourism,” in 2023; and the PATWA Tourism Minister of the Year for Sustainable Tourism Award for 2018.

KINGSTON; Jamaica; Friday March 6, 2026 – Jamaica has secured six major honours at the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) International Travel Awards, including the coveted Destination of the Year title, with S Hotel Jamaica and the Montego Bay Convention Centre also earning top accolades, further reinforcing the island’s standing as a global leader in tourism excellence.

The prestigious honour was presented recently at the 26th PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit & PATWA International Travel Awards, which recognizes excellence, innovation and leadership across the global travel and tourism industry.

Jamaica’s designation underscores the island’s strong tourism performance, strategic global marketing, resilient recovery efforts and continued investment in sustainable development. The award reflects the destination’s ability to deliver authentic cultural experiences, world-class accommodations and warm hospitality, while maintaining its standing as one of the Caribbean’s leading tourism economies.

Jamaica’s sweep at the awards extended beyond the national destination honour. S Hotel Jamaica, the stylish boutique property in Montego Bay, was recognised as one of PATWA’s top accommodation recipients. The Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC) also received a prestigious PATWA accolade, affirming its status as a world-class meetings and events venue. Together, these recognitions underscore the breadth and depth of Jamaica’s tourism offerings.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, welcomed the recognition, noting that it is a testament to the collective efforts of Jamaica’s tourism stakeholders. “This award belongs to the people of Jamaica, to our workers, our partners and every stakeholder who contributes to making our island a world-class destination. 

Being named Destination of the Year reinforces that our focus on resilience, innovation and sustainability continues to resonate globally. We remain committed to strengthening our tourism product and ensuring that the benefits of the industry are shared widely across our nation,” said Minister Bartlett.

Director of Tourism, Donovan White, while congratulating S Hotel and MBCC, also underscored the significance of the recognition for Brand Jamaica. “Being named Destination of the Year by PATWA is a significant milestone for Brand Jamaica. It highlights the confidence the international community has in our product and our people. We will continue to innovate and deliver exceptional experiences that inspire travellers from around the world,” said White.

The accolades add to Jamaica’s growing list of international recognitions and reinforce the island’s upward trajectory as a premier global travel destination known for resilience, creativity and authentic experiences — celebrated at every level, from its iconic venues to the destination itself.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, March 5, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, delivered a wide-ranging address recently during a high-level panel discussion on poly-crisis and its impact on the global tourism industry, underscoring both the profound vulnerabilities and remarkable resilience of tourism as the world’s most important economic activity. 

Speaking before an international audience of tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders at ITB Berlin, the Minister emphasised that tourism operates at the intersection of geophysical, climatic, maritime, and political forces — making it uniquely susceptible to global disruption, yet equally capable of recovery and growth.

“We are the most vulnerable of all economic activities on planet Earth,” the Minister stated, “but we also have the capacity to respond, to recover, to bounce forward — not bounce back — and to thrive thereafter.”

The Minister noted that tourism has evolved from a largely social activity into a powerful economic force, now embracing thousands of communities and scores of countries worldwide. This transformation has made the sector’s exposure to poly-crisis both more consequential and more urgent to address from a public policy standpoint.

Addressing the role of tourism in global diplomacy, the Minister described the industry as a fundamental connector of peoples, ideas, lifestyles, and ideologies. “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of connection,” the Minister said, stressing that tourism uniquely enables such connectivity across borders and cultures.

The Minister also acknowledged the complex role of religion and politics in either fostering understanding or deepening divisions, calling for collaboration grounded in mutuality and shared human experience. “Our politics can bring us together, and yet our divisions may say no — this is a major crisis we must face,” the Minister observed.

When asked for recommendations to fellow political leaders on building resilience, the Minister placed innovation at the heart of the solution. “Ideas are what drive tourism. Our job as political leaders must be to incentivise ideas, to create the incubator for new ideas, to support new ideas, and ultimately to monetise them,” the Minister said.

The Minister highlighted a flagship national initiative: the establishment of a Tourism Innovation Incubator designed to support young entrepreneurs with bold ideas but limited resources. Through this programme, participants receive mentorship from established industry players, access to seed funding for startups, and the opportunity to test their concepts against real-world market conditions.

“We said: come to us with new thinking on tourism. How do we innovate? How do we use your creativity to drive new experiences?” the Minister explained. “We measure what they bring against established activities, connect them with entrepreneurs and industry drivers, and then support those who want to go further with startup funding,” he added.

The remarks were delivered as part of a panel discussion on poly-crisis, unpredictability, and the future of global tourism, convened to address the mounting convergence of climate, geopolitical, and economic pressures facing the industry.

ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus Börse) is the world's leading travel trade show, held annually in Berlin, Germany, since 1966. It acts as a massive B2B platform and networking hub for the global travel industry, showcasing destinations, tour operators, airlines, and hospitality businesses.

Growth powered by Surging arrivals from key LATAM markets and a wave of new routes 

KINGSTON; Jamaica; Friday February 27, 2026 — Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has welcomed the continued record-breaking growth in visitor arrivals from Latin America in 2025 which is being driven by expansion in air seat capacity across the region. The results reflect deepening demand from six primary source markets — Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru — and a robust airline network that continues to grow into 2026.

Jamaica recorded its strongest-ever performance from Latin American markets last year, with total visitor arrivals from the region growing by more than 62,000 passengers compared to the prior year. Peru, Argentina, and Chile each posted particularly notable gains, reflecting growing awareness of Jamaica as a premier Caribbean destination among South American travellers.

“These results are more meaningful than numbers. They reflect the strategic marketing efforts we have employed to deepen partnerships and confidence in the destination. We have been deliberate in tapping into this extremely lucrative market which will help with diversification and increased arrivals and earnings overall,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

The results build on a broader regional upswing. Latin America and the Caribbean recorded total air traffic of 477.3 million passengers in 2025 — a 3.8% year-over-year rise — with most of that growth originating from within the region itself. Jamaica is positioned to capitalize on this momentum through strategic airlift and trade partnerships.

“Latin America has surpassed our expectations and is an extremely positive sign of affinity for brand Jamaica. Our island continues to punch above its weight as global interest in our culture and authentic experiences remain at a high,” said Director of Tourism, Donovan White. 

Over the last three years, Jamaica has recorded an 88% increase in arrivals – 31,152 in 2023, 35,252 in 2024 and a whopping 58, 797 last year. Earnings from this market has also increased by 108% from over USD55 million in 2023 to USD116 million last year.

Current scheduled service connecting Latin America to Jamaica includes Copa Airlines operating from Panama City to both Kingston and Montego Bay — with combined weekly frequencies among the highest in the region — alongside LATAM Airlines from Lima and Wingo from Bogotá. All routes are performing at or above target load factors, underscoring the strength of existing demand.

“Our team has been pulling out all the stops to build on this great momentum. We know the value of this market and are determined to leverage more for Jamaica,” said Deputy Director of Tourism, Philip Rose.

Panama continues to serve as a critical aviation hub, with Copa Airlines providing seamless onward connections that effectively extend Jamaica’s reach across the entire Latin American region.

Projections for 2026 and 2027 are also looking extremely strong with 100,000 and 175, 000 arrivals expected respectively. These growing numbers translate to earnings of over USD500 million.

The Minister is leading a small delegation to Columbia and Panama to discuss opportunities to add more cities to Jamaica’s itinerary which will increase seat capacity and strengthen trade and consumer partnerships within the region.