MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Thursday, October 13, 2016: Two of the busiest streets in two of the island’s key cities could become major tourism hubs, based on the vision outlined by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. He also foresees the town of Buff Bay in Portland being transformed by cottage industries utilizing coffee.

Montego Bay’s St. James Street and Kingston’s Knutsford Boulevard have already taken on certain characteristics of their own but Minister Bartlett believes so much more can be done to make them appeal to the growing gastronomy or food-based tourism market.

The Minister explained his vision while addressing journalists at the first gastronomy seminar on fats and oils, hosted jointly by the Ministry’s Tourism Linkages Network and Seprod Group at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa yesterday (October 12, 2016). The event was dubbed; The Gastronomy of Fats and Oils - The Art of Choosing, Preparing and Cooking Good Food. It entailed a series of presentations by chefs and experts on how to effectively use fats and oils to further enhance culinary delights within the tourism sector.

Minister Bartlett said in the context of a development strategy, “while we talk about gastronomy in the broad sense of consumption, it is also a development tool because it gives an opportunity for infrastructural development.”

Regarding Montego Bay, he said the city had to be looked at in that way. “We need to reinvent the tourism product in Montego Bay and to create a new vista for expansion and growth.” Mr. Bartlett is adamant that for Montego Bay to grow, a new destination needs to be created. “I think that the new destination can definitely revolve around food and entertainment.”

His vision is that from City Centre, running the length of St. James Street in the heart of the commercial district to Barnett Street “is a perfect area that literally invites itself for that kind of development.” In pursuit of this initiative Mr. Bartlett said he would be having talks with the Prime Minister and his fellow Members of Parliament in the city “to see how we can move this process forward because it can redefine Montego Bay in so many ways.”

He is aware that a number of elements must come together to create this new experience and is hoping for buy-in from other stakeholders including the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Parish Council and the Urban Development Corporation.

“Where I have seen these things work well it’s a mix of commercial activity and dormitory with people living on the upper floors along the corridor and at the base there are the restaurants and shops,” he added.

Numerous examples exist in various countries on how this can be achieved but the will is needed, noted Mr. Bartlett, adding “we will get investment; investors will come in to do it.”

Regarding Kingston’s Knutsford Boulevard, this would complement Devon House which is being positioned as a major centre for gastronomy tourism. “Knutsford Boulevard right now offers itself because we have all the key hotels along the strip, and then we have high-rise buildings and a number of restaurants already on the ground floor,” noted the Tourism Minister.

He added, “it’s an opportunity for us to think it through a little deeper and to bring the stakeholders together. I can see it happening and I believe that is something that we definitely are going to be pursuing.”

Minister Bartlett then outlined that the proposal for Portland’s Buff Bay Valley takes into consideration that only 20 percent of the coffee bean it produces goes into the production of the world famous Blue Mountain brand beverage. Minister Bartlett envisages the remaining 80 percent being the raw material for a range of cottage industries.

“In other countries people use the unused portion of the coffee beans to make products such as colognes, coffee oil and even fabric.  I am excited about that because I think Buff Bay is the right place for it and it will create a new vista of hope for people and jobs and it is not only those who plant coffee or the big producers who will benefit, but the average man in the street can have the chance to benefit also,” said Minister Bartlett.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; September 26, 2016: As part of efforts to boost visitor arrivals the National Cruise Council (NCC) has been resuscitated in the Ministry of Tourism with a mandate “to guide and grow the local cruise economy in a steady and sustainable manner moving forward.”

The 13-member NCC was named recently by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett at the Hilton Rose Hall Beach Resort and Spa.

Chaired by Michael Belnavis, the cruise council reflects a partnership between private and public sector interests.

The other members are: Harry Maragh, CEO of Lannaman and Morris (Shipping) Ltd.; Marilyn Burrowes, President, Dolphin Cove; Judy Shoenbein, of Braemar Tours; John Byles, CEO, Chukka Caribbean; Michael Drakulich, of Mystic Mountain Rain Forest/Mystic Ridge Hotel; Stephen Facey, Chairman & CEO, Pan-Jamaican Investment Trust Ltd.; William Tatham, Vice President, Port Authority of Jamaica.

Verna Lugg, General Manager, Verna’s Creation; Lee Bailey, CEO, Caribbean Cruise and Shipping Tours; Denney Chandiram, Bijoux Jewelers Montego Bay; Denton Edwards, Director of Tourism Relations, Ministry of Tourism with the other member to come from the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Outlining the rationale for the council, Minister Bartlett said the cruise industry had become the fastest growing segment in the travel industry around the world. Jamaica’s experience was in line with that as cruise passenger arrivals grew by 23.5% for the month of June, bringing 110,086 passengers from 25 cruise ship calls. 

Of significance is that historically June has not been a good month for cruise shipping to Jamaica and since the opening of the Falmouth Pier in 2010, attracting mega liners, “the growth has been phenomenal.”

However, noted Minister Bartlett, “what has not grown apace is the expenditure, even though it has moved slightly” from US$74 per passenger to US$87. He said the target was to move it to US$100, gradually increasing to US$200 per person at the minimum over the next five years.

Responsibilities of the National Cruise Council include advocating for the cruise business in Jamaica, monitoring global cruise shipping trends and strategically safeguarding relationships with cruise shipping lines and enhancing the experience of the cruise ship passenger. 

Additionally, the council will make recommendations that will result in Jamaica’s cruise shipping industry embracing principles of sustainable tourism for development through appropriate policies, also for the improvement of the onshore experience of cruise passengers.

In his first comment as chairman, Mr. Belnavis said he recognized that the cruise shipping business was very important to the growth and development of the national economy and expressed his commitment to helping to develop cruise tourism.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 5, 2016:  Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to local tourism partners for their active role in the sector’s emergency planning and response efforts during the period when Hurricane Matthew posed a threat to Jamaica.

Minister Bartlett remains thankful that the island was spared the brunt of Matthew, which never made landfall in Jamaica, but passed offshore the island. He singled out the Ministry’s Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC), which provided important and timely information to tourism stakeholders around the clock. 

As Jamaica braced for the possible impact of Hurricane Matthew, the Ministry activated the TEOC at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston to coordinate emergency services for the local tourism sector. Tourism entities across the island also took precautionary measures to safeguard life and property.

“I am truly grateful to the staff and volunteers who devoted many hours of their time to ensure that the industry and our visitors were kept safe and fully informed about the impending weather system. Their support provided valuable reassurance to the tourism community. I also wish to thank all our tourism partners for the important role they played including the management and staff of the Jamaica Pegasus for accommodating our Tourism Emergency Operations Centre,” said Minister Bartlett.

“We have a well developed tourism disaster preparedness and emergency management infrastructure that can handle these types of threats. I am extremely pleased that there was no damage to the island’s tourism sector and that our tourism entities such as our resorts and attractions are operating as they normally would,” pointed out Minister Bartlett. He emphasized that “Jamaica is open for business and I encourage persons to continue to visit our island and experience a unique and memorable vacation that only Jamaica can provide.”

While being grateful that Jamaica was spared the brunt of Hurricane Matthew, Minister Bartlett urged Jamaicans to keep the people of Haiti, Cuba and other countries that have been or that are likely to be impacted by Matthew in their prayers.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 28, 2016:  As the Ministry of Tourism continues to celebrate Tourism Awareness Week, officials from the Ministry, its agencies as well as tourism partners today (September 28, 2016) participated in the official launch of the National Community Tourism Portal, at Kingston’s iconic attraction, Devon House.

“It is fitting that the portal is being launched during Tourism Awareness Week, which this year is being observed under the theme ‘Tourism for all: Promoting Universal Accessibility’, as it underscores our commitment to broaden Tourism’s reach to positively impact the lives of as many Jamaicans as possible,” said Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Jennifer Griffith.

She emphasized that “through community-based tourism the sector will be accessible to more Jamaicans and deliver greater economic benefits to a larger percentage of the population, particularly at the grass-root level.”

The portal forms part of the government’s US$15 million Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) project, which is being implemented by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), with funding from the World Bank.

“On the community tourism side, J$250 million has been invested. This is a part of the direct strategy to have both the Ministry of Tourism and JSIF really look at this business of community tourism head-to-head. What that means is direct assistance for: product development; capacity building infrastructure; and the upgrading of 11 community tourism enterprises,” said JSIF’s Managing Director, Mr. Omar Sweeney.

The National Community Tourism Portal will act as a hub which supports community based tourism in all its forms. A booking engine has also been integrated to not only give vendors additional exposure but to also provide a means for the target market to conveniently procure the services of the tourism entities from the site. 

“This portal is an excellent marketing tool which will help local community-based tourism enterprises keep pace with the competition by: building awareness of community tourism in Jamaica; providing comprehensive and engaging information on Jamaica’s community tourism product; providing an easy means for making community tourism bookings; and providing Community Based Tourism Enterprises (CBTEs) with affordable and cost effective e-marketing services,” stated Mrs. Griffith.

JSIF is currently engaged in a three year programme with the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) to establish the portal and conduct market-ready development and marketing for CBTEs — with the assistance of the Jamaica Tourist Board who will market the Community Tourism Brand. As of June 30, 2017 TPDCo will be charged with the responsibility to fully oversee the operations and maintenance of the portal.

“The introduction of this portal is a move in the right direction. It will provide: quick turn-around time for payment to the operators; a clear and comprehensive policy on cancelations thereby protecting the vendor; multi-language support for all major tourism markets; and marketing support to increase business and drive traffic to the portal,” added TPDCo’s Acting Executive Director, Mrs. Joy Roberts.

To access the portal, the public is being invited to log on to http://www.moretojamaica.com/.

Tourism Minister to Chair the 38th Plenary Session of the UNWTO Affiliate Members

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 22, 2016:  In an effort to better tap into new markets and emerging markets, Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett leaves the island today (September 22, 2016) for Chengdu, China where he will attend the 22^nd World Route Development Forum.

“We are taking strategic steps to ensure that we achieve our goal of attracting five million visitors by 2021. Arranging adequate airlift is paramount to achieving this. While in China, we will be interfacing with key travel partners that operate all across the globe. So, we will use the opportunity to focus on concretizing new route arrangements and to have connectivity from the emerging markets which are crucial to driving growth.  We will also be continuing our discussions regarding developing a multi-destination arrangement with China,” said Minister Bartlett.

The Minister also disclosed that his Ministry will be working in collaboration with GAP (Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico), the operators of the Sangster International Airport, towards developing new routes.

“We want to develop routes from Tijuana to Montego Bay as well as Cancun to Montego Bay. We are also, hoping to have Air Madagascar operate starting this winter, coming out of France which will connect us to the Eastern side of Europe,” the Minister explained.  

The Minister will then travel to London to attend the inaugural Jamaica Trade Market trade event. “I think this show is a very significant development for us, as this is the first time that Jamaica is going to be establishing a trade fair on its own to attract European tour operators and businesses. That will go a long way in continuing the growth pattern out of Europe that we have been enjoying over the last few years,” he said.

While in London, he will also meet with key stakeholders as a strategic approach to ease the potential impact Brexit will have on the Jamaican tourism industry.

“We recognize that fallout from Brexit is going to be real and we have to move proactively to bolster our partnerships — particularly within our Diaspora — so as to enable a minimize the impact to be had in Jamaica,” he said.

“I recall how we managed in the recession, when the British market fell by 20% in the Caribbean. But for Jamaica, we fell only by 1%.  It took us a little while to get back to growth rate but fortunately for us, by 2014 we were back to the levels that we were in 2010.  So with this approach we will be mitigating against any massive fallout,” explained Minister Bartlett.

The Minister will later travel to Yerevan, Armenia, where in his capacity as Chairman of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Board of Affiliate Members, he will chair the 38th Plenary Session of the UNWTO Affiliate Members. 

“This meeting is significant as it will be held at a crucial time in the development of tourism, which is dealing with numerous exogenous shocks including seismic economic changes and terror, which have heightened uncertainty and invite serious consideration on possible solutions. Tourism has a pivotal role to play in tackling these global problems seeing it is one of the most inclusive and resilient sectors in the world,” Minister Bartlett explained.  

While in China and London, Minister Bartlett will be accompanied by the Director of Tourism, Mr. Paul Pennicook. He is expected to return to the island on October 7, 2016.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Wednesday, September 22, 2016: The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has committed $1 billion to provide well needed loans to small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) to boost the sustainable growth of the industry.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the EXIM Bank to administer the revolving loan scheme and make disbursements to successful applicants was signed on September 21, 2016 with the TEF at the Hilton Beach Resort & Spa.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett outlined that the money “is to provide well needed banking support to SMTEs and those companies which play a part in the tourism value chain.”

Operators in the SMTE sector will be able to access from a minimum of $5 million up to $25 million at 5% interest for five years. However, EXIM Bank will consider viable projects that might require more than the ceiling.  The rate of interest for any such project will be slightly higher.

Minister Bartlett said there was a need for the tourism sector to have its “discreet lending institution that responds to the needs of tourism” and this initiative was setting the foundation for fulfilling a plan which he first mooted earlier this year at a Tourism Linkages Speed Networking event, for a bank dedicated to the sector. It will be modelled off the Dominican Republic’s Banco Popular.

In an open invitation to Jamaicans to get on board the tourism value chain, Minister Bartlett cited the need for locals to take charge of production and services to meet the consumption patterns of today’s travellers and enable greater retention of the tourism dollar. “I am determined that on my watch tourism will not relegate itself into being a plantation; we are going to be an industry owned by the people,” he declared.

“You merely need to have an idea that can be converted to material value with a price because the consumption pattern is about people’s passions” which have no limit, he said.

While tourism remained the largest and fastest growing enterprise in the world, Mr. Bartlett pointed out that it was dominated by small and medium-sized tourism entities. “These SMTEs contribute significantly to the authenticity and quality of the tourism experience and there’s little doubt that these businesses play a significant role in destination competitiveness,” he stated.

Although individually these business employ few people, Minister Bartlett said “collectively the employment generated by SMTEs reliant on visitor spend can be highly significant.” Further, he added, “these SMTEs encourage visitors to spend in local communities, thus stimulating the multiplier effect.”

Mr. Bartlett said because of the critical inter-dependence between tourism and SMTEs, “providing access to financing to enable these enterprises to capitalize on business opportunities and so participate in the supply chain that the sector generates, is essential. It also helps to foster the development of a more inclusive tourism industry that not only benefits our visitors but Jamaicans too.”

The $1 billion will be disbursed to the EXIM Bank in tranches with $500 million being made available in the first instance. The revolving loan facility received endorsement from the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 19, 2016: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett joined thousands of volunteers, who participated in this year’s staging of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day, at 140 sites across the island on Saturday September 17, 2016.
The initiative, which is coordinated across the world by the Ocean Conservancy in Texas, is an exercise aimed at building global environmental awareness. It is organized locally by the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) with much support from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), who has been the primary donor for the event since 2008. 

“ICC is a significant day globally that should signal that we are in breach of our stewardship. It should take us to another dimension of our own responsibility, to guard and protect this heritage, which is the basis of our own survival as a people. So, we in tourism have taken a very proactive role in this regard, and we feel very strongly about the need to protect and preserve the environment, for the continued existence and growth of the country’s tourism product,” stated Minister Bartlett.

“We have been spending a lot on taking care of our environment. Within the last five years over a billion dollars has been invested in marine and coastal projects as a part of the sustainability mandate that we have.  In the case of ICC, we have spent $94.5 million already and we are going to continue the programme with them in this context with the wider Spruce Up Jamaica Programme that we are going to be launching shortly,” said Minister Bartlett.

International Coastal Cleanup is a fraction of the Ministry of Tourism’s partnership with JET through the Tourism Enhancement Fund, to protect the environment. In 2014, the Ministry expanded its commitment with a Clean Coasts Project, which received J$34.5 million and another J$60 million in 2015 in funding from the TEF. The project includes environmental education for adults and children along with practical strategies for tackling poor solid waste management and marine debris in Jamaica.

OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA; SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2016: Jamaica last night captured the lion’s share of accolades in the 23rd Annual World Travel Awards (WTA) for the Caribbean and North America and stamped its mark as the leading destination in the region.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett complemented the several awards received by Jamaica by himself being bestowed the unique award of the “Caribbean’s Leading Personality for Outstanding Services to Tourism.”

The WTA’s citation to Minister Bartlett singled him out as “an individual who has worked tirelessly to advance the hospitality industry here in Jamaica.” It noted that he has been recognized for his wide expertise and accomplishments in the political arena, and “has given over 35 years of service in the Senate and the House of Representatives.”

Mr. Bartlett was first appointed Minister of Tourism in 2007 and again in 2016 and, according to the citation, “in recent years he has represented Jamaica internationally and currently chairs the Board of Affiliate Members of the United Nations World Tourism Organization.” 

Reacting to his award, Minister Bartlett admitted, “it’s a humbling experience” for him. He added, “humbling because what it says is that the efforts of others that you have been able to reflect must not be assumed to be yours.”

He dedicated his award to the people of Jamaica, Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, John Lynch who has given 45 years of outstanding service to the tourism industry, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Jennifer Griffith, “the ministers that have passed and the entire team within the Ministry and its agencies, both past and present, who have all contributed so much to building Jamaica and to set the stage and on whose shoulders I have stood to achieve this prestigious award. And so I say to my past colleagues and friends, thank you very much.”

Amidst the glitz and glamour at the black-tie gala at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Minister Bartlett led a high-profiled team of ministry executives on stage to receive the prestigious award for Jamaica as the “Caribbean’s Leading Destination.”

Counted among the recipients of top awards, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) was named the “Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board” while Jamaica also emerged the “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination” as well as the Caribbean’s Best Spa Destination.

Jamaica was also recognized for having the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port (Ocho Rios), the Caribbean's Leading Home Port (Montego Bay), the Caribbean’s Leading Airport (Sangster International Airport), and the Caribbean’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre (Montego Bay Convention Centre).
While noting that the awards signalled that Jamaica was doing well, Minister Bartlett said, “it is not a sufficient position which will allow us to sit on our laurels because there are a number of awards that we didn’t win tonight and it means that Jamaica has some work to do to be able to win these other awards.”
In commending the local tourism entities which also won awards, Minister Bartlett stressed that, “what we have seen here is a statement that we are on track but it is also a motivation to go further to cop the other awards to make Jamaica the most outstanding destination in the Caribbean in all categories of experience.”

OCHO RIOS, St Ann; Jamaica, September 19, 2016: Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica is now on track to become one of the world’s major gastronomy destinations.

He said gastronomy is a $150 billion dollar business across the world, which Jamaica has already targeted as part of plans to improve the country's earnings from the tourism sector.

Minister Bartlett noted that “Jamaican food, Jamaican rum and Jamaican music are all critical ingredients in the building out of this gastronomy experience” and he described the opening of Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records in Ocho Rios as “a significant step towards achieving this target”.
The Tourism Minister was speaking at the official opening of the first franchise of Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records at the New Pineapple Shopping Centre, Pineapple Place, Ocho Rios, recently. Tracks and Records is a Jamaican-themed sports-entertainment restaurant and bar.

Declaring that Jamaica is now ready to take on the world, Minister Bartlett said that “the important fusion of music, food, sports and entertainment makes this country an irresistible destination.”  He pointed out that an enterprise team led by former President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist  Association (JHTA), Nicola Madden-Greig  has been doing very well in this area and is about to roll out a significant product which will put Jamaica on the map as a gastronomy centre.

Minister Bartlett said he expects Tracks and Records to grow significantly and, as it grows, the brand recognition of Jamaica will definitely improve. He praised the owners of the new franchise Marsha and Joshua Jahmnani for their strong expression of confidence and encouraged other business people to follow their example.       

Sports Icon and owner of the Tracks and Records brand Hon. Usain Bolt was full of praise for his business partners, the K L E group, for helping to create this brand and he promised to take the franchise across the globe.         

Speaking of the importance of having a Tracks and Records franchise in Ocho Rios, Marsha Jahmnani said “each week we see thousands of tourists coming into the ports, all with a strong desire to experience Jamaica. They all know about Usain Bolt, are interested in our music , our food and overall culture; so having a Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records here in  Ocho Rios, will allow us to cater to all those interests.”
 

KINGSTON, Jamaica; March 8, 2016: On the heels of yesterday’s official swearing in of members of the new cabinet, the newly appointed Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, hit the ground running on his first day in office today (March 8). The Minister, who arrived at approximately 10:00 a.m., took the opportunity to personally greet each member of staff at the New Kingston offices of the Ministry and its agencies and outlined the expectations of each division and entity under the new administration.

The series of meetings facilitated warm interaction between the Minister and staff members as he marked a happy return to the Ministry, and the discussions set the tone for the sector moving forward.

The Minister noted that in keeping with the manifesto outlined by the government, where prosperity and growth are key goals, the tourism industry will be instrumental in achieving growth targets. Mr. Bartlett, who previously served as Tourism Minister from 2007-2011, expressed pleasure at returning to the Ministry for a second stint. He stated that in the upcoming weeks, the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies would have to be carefully examined and key strategies employed to effectively meet new objectives.

“In this new dispensation growth is the mantra. Economic growth and development are the centrepieces of the new administration’s thrust. Tourism has to play a critical and vital role in this regard.  We have to go beyond the two and three percent growth we’ve had over the years and get into double digit growth,” he said.

In doing so, he noted that the Ministry would focus on driving economic returns to the industry and earning more. “So we have to look at value added, greater partnerships with stakeholders, and driving new investments,” said Minister Bartlett.

In addition to the growth agenda, special attention will also be given to building human capital within tourism, the improvement of attractions and the positioning of Kingston as an ideal destination.
“We must diversify and expand the range of products that are offered. You won’t get the build-up in arrivals unless you give the people what they want,” said Mr. Bartlett. “Tourism is really about marketing to the passion points of the people.  We have to build around those passions so as to drive the demographics that are required to get the earnings that the economy needs,” he added.

The Minister emphasized that he has seen a lot of positive work being done within the industry over the years. However, he urged members of staff to note that a lot more can be done to ensure that the industry realizes its full potential.

“I am prepared to continue to build on the good work that has been done. The good thing about it is that tourism, over time, has had a succession of good work. Each administration seems to have built on the successes of the past but this one has to be different,” stated Minister Bartlett.