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.

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America; Thursday, April 3, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has again emphasised the importance of harnessing emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to drive innovation and resilience within the tourism sector. Speaking yesterday (April 2) at the George Washington University School of Business on the theme: Tourism Unleashed: AI, People, and the Future of Global Resilience, the tourism minister highlighted Jamaica’s strides in tourism innovation and the critical role of AI in shaping the sector’s future. 

Minister Bartlett outlined how Jamaica’s tourism industry has undergone transformative changes, driven by technology and human capital development, particularly focusing on the role modern technologies have played in restructuring tourism operations. The Minister encouraged tourism stakeholders to: “Embrace AI and other emerging technologies not as threats but as catalysts for creating richer, more personalized, and more resilient travel experiences.”

“We are at the cusp of a technological revolution that can empower us to create more personalized, responsive, and sustainable tourism experiences,” added Minister Bartlett. “AI can help us track global trends, predict crises, and ensure our preparedness in real-time. This not only makes tourism safer for visitors but also supports local economies and communities,” he noted. 

At the same time, he stressed that AI could play a key role in crisis management. “Imagine a scenario where, before a hurricane hits, we already know exactly where to position evacuation buses and stock emergency supplies. This is the kind of proactive approach AI can enable, ensuring that we don’t just survive crises but thrive in the aftermath,” he explained. 

Minister Bartlett also highlighted the importance of a broader, more inclusive approach to human capital development, which empowers local farmers, artisans, and youth, ensuring that tourism’s benefits are widely distributed. He said: “By embracing emerging technologies, we can ensure that tourism serves not only as an economic engine but also as a tool for inclusive development.”

The tourism minister now turns his attention to the ongoing Organization of American States (OAS) 26th Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High Authorities of Tourism, where he is representing Jamaica, as outgoing chair of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Tourism (CITUR). Jamaica will hand over the position to a newly elected country, which will be chosen during the congress.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Wednesday, April 2, 2025:Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island today for Washington D.C., where he will participate in the 26th Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High Authorities of Tourism, hosted by the Organization of American States (OAS). Hosted under the theme “Harnessing the Power of Heritage Tourism for Development in the Americas,” the high-level meeting will run from April 3-4, 2025. Minister Bartlett is slated to address the Inaugural Session on Thursday, April 3 alongside the Chair of the Inter-American Council on Integral Development (CIDI), Ambassador Lou-Anne Gilchrist and the OAS Secretary-General, H.E. Luis Almagro. 

Minister Bartlett will also deliver a much-anticipated presentation on: Empowering Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs) on Friday, April 4. Jamaica is currently the chair of the esteemed OAS Inter-American Committee on Tourism (CITUR) and will hand over the position to a newly elected country, which will be chosen during the congress.

Minister Bartlett’s trip to Washington D.C. will also include a high-level speaking engagement at the George Washington University School of Business, where he will share insights under the theme: Tourism Unleashed: AI, People, and the Future of Global Resilience. The tourism minister noted that the session will focus on the transformative changes within Jamaica’s tourism sector driven by technology and innovative human capital development initiatives like the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI), a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). 

“Jamaica is world-renowned for our rich culture and heritage. Participating in the OAS Congress provides an important platform to discuss the potential of heritage tourism to drive sustainable development and to forge stronger relationships with our regional partners,” said Minister Bartlett. “At the same time, my engagement at George Washington University allows us to showcase Jamaica’s commitment to developing our human capital in a way that directly benefits the tourism sector and the broader economy,” he added. 

During the OAS Congress, Minister Bartlett will join leaders from across the Americas to explore strategies for leveraging cultural and heritage tourism to promote economic growth, preserve traditions, and empower local communities. Discussions will include the role of heritage tourism in building resilient, inclusive economies and the potential for community-based tourism in indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.

Minister Bartlett is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, March 27, 2025:Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, today welcomed the announcement of Emirates Airline’s new weekly scheduled flights between Dubai and Montego Bay, Jamaica, starting on April 10, 2025. The flights, which will operate via Frankfurt, Germany, are a major achievement for Jamaica’s tourism sector and the result of years of advocacy and strategic discussions led by Minister Bartlett and his team, including Minister of State, Sen. the Hon. Delano Seiveright; Director of Tourism, Donavan White, and Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Chairman, John Lynch, supported by key tourism partners.

Emirates will operate the route with a Boeing 777-300 aircraft. Minister Bartlett further noted that “the new service, facilitated through a codeshare agreement with German airline Condor, will significantly expand Jamaica’s reach in the Middle East and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, bringing more opportunities for both tourism and trade.”

“This is indeed a mega achievement for Jamaica’s vibrant tourism sector,” said Minister Bartlett. He underscored that: “It is the culmination of years of effort, dating back to 2021 when we first met with representatives of Emirates to explore the possibility of opening up the Caribbean gateway. This flight service signals Jamaica’s expanding footprint in the global tourism market, and it also opens the door for trade linkages, allowing our agricultural and manufacturing sectors to access the lucrative markets of the Middle East.”

“This new flight arrangement will position Jamaica as one of the gateways to the Caribbean from the Middle East and this strategic partnership should see more visitors from the Middle East visiting Jamaica and the Caribbean and vice versa,” Minister Bartlett noted. He stressed that this new route is not just a victory for tourism but Jamaica’s economy. “Emirates flying to Jamaica will create new opportunities for our manufacturers, agricultural producers, and entertainers. This is a key step in driving multi-destination tourism and strengthening the supply side of the sector,” he added.

The new flight service will operate weekly on Wednesdays, and it is expected to further diversify Jamaica’s visitor base while enhancing trade and cultural exchanges. The flights between Frankfurt and Montego Bay will be operated by Condor Flugdienst GmbH.

KINGSTON; Jamaica; Saturday March 8, 2025: Today, on International Women's Day, Minister of Tourism, the Hon Edmund Bartlett is saluting the contributions of women in the tourism industry.

“On International Women's Day, I am proud to recognize the exceptional women whose leadership, innovation, and dedication drive our nation's tourism industry forward. Globally, women are the backbone of our tourism industry, making up the majority of the workforce while increasingly taking on leadership roles that shape the future of travel experiences across our country,” he said.

International Women's Day (IWD) commemorates women's fight for equality and liberation along with the women's rights movement. 

“To the incredible women of tourism, Happy International Women's Day! Today and every day, we celebrate your strength, resilience, and determination. You are the backbone of the tourism industry, and your contributions are invaluable. As Maya Angelou so eloquently put it, ‘Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women’. You are role models, leaders, and trailblazers, inspiring a new generation of women to pursue their passions in tourism,” added Minister Bartlett.

This year’s United Nations theme ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’, calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind.

The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by women in our tourism industry, particularly during the challenges of recent years, have been nothing short of remarkable. Women have been at the forefront of innovative solutions, sustainability initiatives, and community-based tourism approaches that are redefining travel experiences.