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.

Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS) Surpasses JM$ 4 Billion and 10,000 Members

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, May 20, 2025: The Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS), a landmark initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, last Friday (May 16) marked another critical milestone with the official signing of a contract with Victoria Mutual Pensions Management, which has become one of its newest investment fund managers. The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Tourism and represents a strategic move to strengthen the Scheme’s long-term sustainability through prudent risk management and portfolio diversification.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, welcomed the addition of VM Pensions Management, lauding the TWPS’ growth trajectory and emphasizing its transformative role in the lives of thousands of tourism workers. 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. 

“Today’s signing is one of the critical steps that we are taking to strengthen the social safety net for Jamaica’s tourism workers,” said Minister Bartlett. He continued: “This fund is not just a pension plan, it's a model for the world. The performance to date has been absolutely satisfactory, with the fund now valued at J$4.1 billion after just a few years. VM Pensions, you are now charged with helping us move this fund to J$5 billion—my immediate goal.”

The TWPS, which now averages around 10,000 members, was designed to provide financial security for all categories of tourism workers in Jamaica. The inclusion of VM Pensions Management is part of a broader push to diversify the fund’s portfolio, with another investment manager expected to be announced shortly.

Chairman of the TWPS Board of Trustees, Ryan Parkes, describing the new partnership as a significant step in building a resilient and well-managed fund. “This session commemorates the start of a new era in the management of the TWPS investments. The addition of VM Pensions is a key part of our effort to better the lives of Jamaicans who have contributed significantly to our tourism industry,” said Parkes. “We look forward to prudent management, diversification, and the maximization of returns, while carefully balancing risk and sustainability,” he added.

Natalie Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of VM Pensions Management, expressed pride in joining the TWPS as a trusted steward of workers’ investments. “It is truly an honour for VM Pensions Management Ltd. to officially join the TWPS as one of its trusted investment managers. We believe that everyone deserves to retire with dignity, and we are proud to play our part in securing the financial future of the countless individuals who serve this vital sector with pride. Our approach is grounded in integrity, care, excellence, value, and diversification,” said Bennett. 

The TWPS continues to position itself as a flagship pension scheme not only in Jamaica but also in the Caribbean, with growing interest from other nations eager to replicate its success. Pointing to projected tourism sector expansion, including the construction of 5,000 new hotel rooms and the creation of up to 15,000 new jobs, Minister Bartlett envisions the TWPS becoming the largest pension fund in the Caribbean within the next decade.

“This is not an ordinary development. With over 350,000 persons working directly or indirectly in the tourism sector, the TWPS is poised to become a major instrument of national development—supporting capital projects and deepening Jamaica’s social security framework,” Minister Bartlett added.

RUNAWAY BAY, St Ann, Jamaica; Thursday, May 15, 2025: As Jamaica intensifies its global thrust to boost tourist arrivals and earnings by diversifying its source markets, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has underscored that the expanding faith-based tourism market provides major growth opportunity for the island.

Recent estimates indicate that globally, faith-based tourism is valued at some US$254.3 billion and is projected to grow at a rate of 15 percent, up to the year 2030. Quoting those figures, Minister Bartlett said by ramping up efforts to target this niche: “It certainly tells you that we now have a growing market segment that we could tap into to make an even stronger contribution to the Jamaican economy.”

He pitched his remarks to Jamaican and UK Church Leaders of the New Testament Church of God, who are attending a joint summit celebrating the centennial of its establishment in Jamaica, at the Cardiff Hall Hotel and Spa, in St. Ann yesterday (May 14). Minister Bartlett noted that the denomination had branched out from Jamaica to foreign lands, including the United Kingdom, North America and the Caribbean, and suggested that “Church and tourism are symbiotic.”

Underscoring the importance of the industry, Minister Bartlett told the Church Leaders that “at the last count, tourism is 9.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in Jamaica; we employ 175,000 people directly and 350,000 indirectly and induced. We represent 53 percent of the foreign exchange generated in the country and one in five of all the people employed in Jamaica are connected to the tourism industry.”

He posited that strengthening tourism meant strengthening the country’s economy and “enabling the people of Jamaica to have a better standard of living and a good quality of life.” 

Giving an historical perspective, Minister Bartlett contended that “the government has, in the last eight years, built the tourism industry phenomenally. We’ve doubled the arrivals in the country from a little under two million to 4.3 million visitors today.” He said earnings have also been doubled, from just under US$2 billion in 2007 and increasing by over US$1.5 billion between 2016 to now.

Minister Bartlett told the gathering that “the power of the Church to drive tourism is also embodied in the security the church offers to people who come into our space,” adding that destination assurance was critical to Jamaica, with a signal to visitors coming into the country, that they will have a safe, secure and seamless experience.

“The custodian of the conscience of the people represent that element of surety that underpins the confidence that people have in the destination to know that you can expect a certain behaviour pattern because it is founded on certain rules from the Good Book,” he indicated. 

A delegation of 23 leaders from the New Testament Church of God denomination across the UK, led by Administrative Bishop Claion Grandison, has joined local leaders led by Bishop Roy Notice, for the week-long summit, from May 12-19, 2025, celebrating 100 years of the church’s ministry.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (UAE); Monday, April 28, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who departed Jamaica over the weekend for Dubai, has begun his participation in the much-anticipated 2025 staging of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), one of the world’s largest travel and trade events. While en route to Dubai, Minister Bartlett made a brief stop in Florida, where he was the guest speaker at the 29th Anniversary Fundraising Gala hosted by the Friends of Good Shepherd International (FOGS) at the Double Tree Hotel in Sunrise. The event, attended by a full house of patrons from the Jamaican Diaspora, recognized the charitable efforts of the organization, and its founder Archbishop Emeritus of Kingston, The Most Rev. Hon. Charles Dufour, in support of the Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica.

At the fundraising event, Minister Bartlett lauded the work of Archbishop DuFour, describing the FOGS charity organization as a beacon of hope for the people of Western Jamaica. “It has made a profound impact on the community since its inception, and it continues to provide much-needed support to the most vulnerable among us,” said Minister Bartlett. He also invited the Diaspora to visit Jamaica and witness first-hand the strides being made in the country’s development. 

Now in Dubai, Minister Bartlett is engaging with key tourism stakeholders and partners at ATM, which is renowned for bringing together global leaders in travel and tourism. ATM is being staged in Dubai from April 28-May 1, 2025. During the event, Minister Bartlett unveiled a new strategic partnership arrangement with DNATA Travel Group, one of the largest providers of travel services globally, which will assist in boosting Jamaica’s visibility and visitor arrivals from key markets.

“Partnering with DNATA Travel Group is a great opportunity to enhance Jamaica’s reach into critical international markets,” Minister Bartlett said. “Their global presence will play a pivotal role in expanding our tourism footprint, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia,” he added. 

Among several other high-level engagements, the tourism minister's schedule also includes participation in a Ministerial Debate on “Unlocking Tourism Growth Through Connectivity Across the Middle East and Globally” on April 29. The debate will explore how improved connectivity can drive growth and provide new opportunities for tourism development across regions.

 “Arabian Travel Market continues to be a vital platform for advancing the interests of our tourism sector and securing strategic partnerships that will ensure Jamaica remains a leading destination for international travellers,” Bartlett expressed.

Minister Bartlett is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Friday, May 2, 2025.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Wednesday, April 16, 2025: Jamaica's consumer confidence has reached an unprecedented level of 183.7 points, according to the latest Business and Consumer Confidence Indices released by the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) on Tuesday. This remarkable increase is primarily driven by the island’s thriving tourism sector, particularly among consumers in tourist-related industries, businesses, and areas.

During a speech at the Montego Bay Community College (MBCC) Job Readiness Seminar 2025, held today at the Half Moon Conference Room in Rose Hall, St. James, Senator the Hon. Delano Seiveright, State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, referenced these findings. He encouraged students and academic staff to recognize that the tourism sector is not only expanding but also evolving, urging the next generation to prepare for the opportunities it presents.

Jamaica recorded approximately 4.15 million visitors in 2024, generating US$4.3 billion in earnings. With projections for even greater growth this year, the Minister noted that a wide range of skills are in demand, from hospitality and entertainment to digital services, construction, wellness and logistics.

“Tourism is not just about jobs at hotels,” Seiveright said. “It’s about logistics, agriculture, technology, the creative industries, it touches nearly every sector of our economy. Young people must understand that they are not limited to one path.”

He encouraged students to sharpen their technical abilities and soft skills, emphasizing emotional intelligence, adaptability, teamwork and communication as essential qualities in a competitive job market. 

“You may have the qualifications but how you interact, how you manage pressure, and how you respond to people, these things define your personal brand,” he said.

Minister Seiveright also urged the audience to take their digital presence seriously. “Everything you post online adds or subtracts from your reputation. Be intentional. Employers are watching,” he added.

Entrepreneurship, he noted, is another vital avenue for success in the expanding tourism ecosystem. From managing Airbnb’s and offering cultural experiences to developing wellness services and content creation, there are multiple underexplored niches.

“The growth we’re seeing isn’t just about employment, it’s about ownership. If you can solve problems and meet needs, there’s room for you to build something impactful,” he said.

The Job Readiness Seminar, hosted by Montego Bay Community College, forms part of a broader effort to prepare students for real-world opportunities and help them navigate an economy increasingly shaped by global connectivity and innovation.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Tuesday, April 15, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, recently announced that a new era of luxury tourism is on the horizon for Jamaica during a contract signing press conference hosted by LCH Developments, the developers of The Pinnacle. This event took place last Thursday, April 10, at the Pinnacle headquarters in Montego Bay and marks a significant partnership with Ennismore and Accor. This collaboration promises to elevate the island’s tourism offerings with the introduction of two prestigious luxury brands, setting a high benchmark for hospitality in the region.

Minister Bartlett emphasized the importance of this partnership in positioning Jamaica at the forefront of global luxury tourism. “We are at a pivotal moment in our tourism industry, as this collaboration with Ennismore and Accor ushers in a new wave of luxury development for Jamaica,” said Minister Bartlett. “This is not just about adding rooms; it’s about shaping the future of tourism with high-end experiences that attract global investments and cater to the growing demand for exclusivity and sophistication,” he noted. 

The US$450 million Pinnacle development, which includes four uniquely designed buildings, is located in Montego Bay’s scenic Reading Peninsula. It comprises 417 luxury residences, 12 private villas, and a 240-key branded hotel. Construction of the first two towers is already underway, and the development incorporates environmentally responsible features such as solar energy and rainwater harvesting, aligning with local and international sustainability targets.

Minister Bartlett pointed out that Jamaica is at an inflection point in tourism, with 2024 seeing just over 3 million stopover visitors, effectively equaling the island’s population, and creating a critical mass. “This 1:1 ratio between visitors and the population is crucial because it enables the flow-through effect of the tourism dollar across the economy, ensuring that the benefits are felt in sectors like agriculture, transport, and housing,” he explained.

The tourism minister also mentioned ongoing projects such as Tavistock's Harmony Cove and the upcoming Moon Palace Grand in Rose Hall, saying, “This is a significant step in redefining Jamaica’s tourism offering, and we are excited to see luxury brands choosing our island as their destination.”

As a key component of Jamaica’s tourism diversification, luxury offerings are expected to boost the country's competitive edge, particularly in gastronomy and cultural tourism. In keeping with this, the tourism minister announced the upcoming launch of the Gastronomy Institute, aligned with the recently established Tourism Entertainment Academy, to further elevate Jamaica’s niche tourism sectors.

“The eyes of the world are now looking at Jamaica through a luxury lens,” Minister Bartlett concluded. “This is just the beginning of a wave of investments that will transform our tourism landscape,” he added.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, April 7, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, along with Director of Tourism, Donovan White and other representatives from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), departed the island yesterday (April 6) to execute a strategic three-day marketing blitz in New York City, aimed at bolstering Jamaica’s tourism presence in the United States. The marketing mission, which kicks off today, April 7, is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with industry partners and bolster forward bookings for the upcoming summer season. This blitz also comes as the Jamaica Tourist Board celebrates its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of promoting Jamaica as a premier global destination.

Minister Bartlett emphasised the significance of direct engagement with the US market, Jamaica’s most important source of visitors, noting, “New York City remains a key pillar in our tourism strategy, and it is vital that we continue to maintain strong, on-the-ground relationships with both trade and media stakeholders in that area. This marketing blitz provides us with the opportunity to not only showcase Jamaica’s unique offerings but also to reinforce our position as a top destination for American travellers.”

The three-day campaign includes a series of targeted activities aimed at both trade and consumer audiences. The first day’s agenda features a Public Relations Partner Update Meeting followed by consumer media one-on-one desk engagements, which will provide the Minister and the team with valuable opportunities to share Jamaica’s exciting tourism developments. Additionally, Minister Bartlett is slated to participate in an interview on Good Night New York, a prominent local programme that attracts a wide audience.

On Tuesday, April 8, the team will host a trade media roundtable luncheon, further engaging with key influencers in the travel sector. 

One-on-one sessions with consumer media will also be conducted, providing a more intimate setting for discussing Jamaica’s diverse tourism offerings, from sports tourism to heritage, and adventure.

The final day of the blitz will feature a Fireside Chat and reception at New York University (NYU), offering attendees a platform for deeper engagement with industry leaders, academics, and influential media representatives.

“This marketing blitz is crucial to strengthening our forward bookings, particularly as we look ahead to the summer season. The recent success of local sports tourism events has generated a significant boost in visitor interest, and we remain committed to securing sustained growth for our tourism sector,” Mr. White expressed.

Minister Bartlett is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Thursday, April 10, 2025.