Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, October 3, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that the tourism sector has recorded another remarkable quarter of growth. Citing preliminary figures from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Mr. Bartlett said, “the economic performance figures for the third quarter of the year show that Jamaica continues to shine as a premier destination, with significantly increasing stopover arrivals and earnings.”

“Over the period July 1 to September 30, 2023, Jamaica welcomed some 682,586 stopover arrivals, representing a 5.5% increase compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The earnings from this quarter also displayed an impressive upward trend, reaching roughly 1 billion US dollars, representing a substantial 7.3% increase over the same period in 2022,” Minister Bartlett said.

He expressed his enthusiasm for the consistent growth observed in the tourism sector, adding: "This continues the spectacular growth pattern of tourism. Both in terms of visitor arrivals as well as for earnings. Indeed, it marks the 10th consecutive quarter since the COVID-19 pandemic that we have shown significant growth."

One notable aspect of this growth pattern is the performance of the UK market, which has continued to outperform other markets outside of the United States. Commenting on the trend Minister Bartlett said: "The pattern of growth for this market has been noteworthy also as the UK market continues to outpace the other non-American markets, and Jamaica now is the number one destination in the Caribbean for UK visitors. We want to grow that, and our Jamaica Travel Market tradeshow, which just ended in the UK has indicated a pattern of continued growth."

Jamaica Travel Market was held in the UK from September 28th - 29th and provided businesses with the unique opportunity to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business with Jamaican suppliers, such as resorts, hotels, ground agents and car rental firms. 

The tourism minister also emphasized the exciting potential of the Canadian market, sharing his optimism for improved growth there. He outlined: "We're excited about Canada and the prospects for improved growth from Canada. I just left them with a new thrust to realize 500,000 visitors by 2025, which will be driven by some new demographics emerging from the Asian-Canadian and luxury markets."

While in Canada, Minister Bartlett launched the Jamaica Tourist Board’s new “Come Back to Luxury” campaign in Toronto and met with executives from the major airlines with flight service to Jamaica, tour operators as well as travel agents, which included being the keynote speaker at a Mandarin Holidays event targeted at the Asian Diaspora in Canada.

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, October 3, 2023: The performance of the island’s vibrant tourism sector continues to attract the attention of global investors as a team from Iceland will be visiting Jamaica in January 2024, to examine luxury tourism opportunities as well as the potential of the island’s health and wellness tourism offerings, through its spas.

The disclosure was made by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, following recent discussions with a delegation from Iceland in London. The meeting included Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Sen. the Hon. Aubyn Hill, and representatives from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

Highlighting the significance of the pending initiative, Minister Bartlett noted, "Iceland is known to be the number one spa and wellness destination in Europe and arguably the world. They have some of the finest spas and natural blue holes, offering steam baths to thousands of well-heeled visitors." 

The tourism minister outlined that the collaboration aims to harness Iceland's advanced knowledge and resources in relation to health and wellness tourism. Minister Bartlett said: "The collaboration that we seek is to utilize that strong database which Iceland has and to leverage our 24/7 nice, warm weather and our unique natural assets."

With the global landscape for travel and vacation preferences evolving due to a growing emphasis on overall well-being, visitors are increasingly seeking destinations that align with their health and wellness goals. In this regard, the health and wellness tourism industry has seen tremendous growth, with a global market value estimated to exceed $4 trillion.

This strategic move also aligns with the Ministry of Tourism's Blue Ocean Strategy, which places emphasis on innovative policies, systems, protocols, and standards to ensure visitors enjoy a safer, secure, and seamless experience. It also emphasizes the development of a diversified portfolio of unique and authentic attractions and activities, drawing heavily on Jamaica's natural and cultural assets.

"By creating unique and differentiated offerings, Jamaica can stand out in a crowded global market. This will attract travellers seeking novel experiences and position the country as a premier destination for sustainable tourism," added Minister Bartlett. It was also outlined that the team from Iceland will also explore the possibilities for geothermal energy as a renewable alternative to augment Jamaica's energy mix.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Friday, September 29, 2023: The highly anticipated Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2023 Youth Forum has been hailed as a “major success,” as the event saw strong support from hundreds of students and teachers from across the island. Over 300 Tourism Action Club (TAC) members attended the event, which was held on World Tourism Day (WTD) - September 27, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

The forum forms part of a series of activities planned by the Ministry of Tourism, its public bodies and tourism partners, to mark Tourism Awareness Week 2023 from September 24 – 30. The week is being observed under the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) theme for World Tourism Day - “Tourism and Green Investments,” which seeks to underscore the need to invest in people, planet and prosperity.

The event saw participation from members of some 22 Tourism Action Clubs from schools in resort areas and provided an opportunity for students and their teachers to gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of the industry.

The Excelsior Tourism Action Club was the first to be formed in 1995 and Vice President, Yeshima Thompson said the Youth Forum allowed participants to learn about areas of tourism that they weren’t aware of before. “It gave them very good information and opened their eyes to different opportunities and possibilities in the tourism sector,” she expressed.

An enthusiastic Kishnel Miller of Meadowbrook High School found the Youth Forum engaging, stressing that: “It was a great experience.” 

Kaola Waysom, a CAPE student with a keen interest in tourism said: “I really love this, honestly. I think it’s good for the youth, to educate them about tourism and the future, and how to be sustainable and to educate them about the way forward in green tourism.”

Meanwhile, reigning Junior Minister of Tourism Deja Bremmer said: “most of the presenters here, they are quite young, that is admirable, and there’s a lot that the student can get.”

When quizzed about her new role, she said: “It means a lot.” She argued that: “There are many young persons out there who are very passionate about tourism and want to be involved and I’m grateful that I got to be the Junior Minister of Tourism for Jamaica.” She said this made her a tourism youth representative, which gives young people a voice “and I want to serve as an inspiration for other youths.” 

Commenting on the Youth Forum, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Jennifer Griffith noted that: “It’s very, very important that the youth are a part of what we do in tourism because the youth represent the future of tourism and so Tourism Awareness Week, which incorporates World Tourism Day, is an appropriate time to get them to be a part of tourism activities; to get exposure, to have discussions. It’s a learning environment for them and so it’s very good to have so many schools here today.” 

Director of Tourism, Donovan White said Tourism Awareness Week was a time of reflection. “It is a time to look at the sector with a view to addressing any existing challenges and improving on what we are doing.” He added: “We are proud of all that we have achieved that increases the love for destination Jamaica across the world.”

The various activities in the Youth Forum were topped off with a crowd-pleasing performance by the very talented Ashe performers, which followed earlier captivating presentations by students of Dunoon Park and Jose Marti Technical High Schools.

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, September 25, 2023: Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), with responsibility for Water, the Environment and Climate Change, Senator, the Hon. Matthew Samuda has revealed that some 2.7 million trees have been planted under the National Tree Planting Initiative, which was launched in 2019 by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness with a goal of three million trees in three years. 

Speaking today (September 25) during a speaker series and tree planting exercise, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, its public bodies and tourism partners, at the Excelsior High School, Minister Samuda said: “Let us meet the three million trees target by December 31st of this year – three hundred thousand trees in three months. We’re going to be increasing our partnerships and the Forestry Department will make the seedlings available because we have to make that target. As a part of our restoration efforts, we all have a part to play. That’s the way we’re going to keep Jamaica cleaner and greener.” 

The tree planting exercise and speaker series presentation form part of a series of activities planned to mark Tourism Awareness Week 2023, which is being observed from September 24 – 30 under the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) theme for World Tourism Day (September 27) – “Tourism and Green Investments.” The theme seeks to highlight the need to focus on investing in people, planet and prosperity. 

Excelsior High School was the first school to launch a Tourism Action Club (TAC) in 1995 and was the recipient of an evergreen tree planted in the heart of the campus. TACs are managed by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and are active in secondary and tertiary institutions across the island.

“By planting trees, though a small gesture, each one of us is making a lasting contribution to the preservation of planet Earth, the place that is our universal home, and you will agree with me that doing so is something worth getting your fingers dirty for,” noted Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Jennifer Griffith who delivered greetings on behalf of Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. 

“We want to thank the Ministry of Tourism for investing in Excelsior today through the provision of a tree that is a symbol of growth, prosperity and sustainability,” added Evan Thompson, President of the Excelsior High School Past Students Association, which accommodated the tree planting exercise under its existing tree planting programme at the institution. 

Tourism Awareness Week continues with a Virtual Knowledge forum tomorrow (September 26), a Youth Forum on Wednesday (September 27 – World Tourism Day) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre and a Visionary Symposium and workshop on Thursday and Friday (September 28 and 29), respectively.

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, September 20, 2023: The need to boost human capital development and build resilience in the tourism sector through more targeted investment, will be high on the agenda as the Ministry of Tourism, its public bodies and tourism partners, observe Tourism Awareness Week 2023 from September 24 – 30.

The week will be observed under the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) theme for World Tourism Day, September 27, “Tourism and Green Investments,” which seeks to underscore the need to invest in people, planet and prosperity. 

In highlighting the relevance of this year’s theme, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said: “The theme is right on point as it recognises the urgent need for responsible tourism practices that prioritise the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. As stewards of this beautiful Earth, it is our moral responsibility to safeguard its natural, economic and social resources for future generations. Our activities for Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) will reflect this timely theme.” 

“Investment is no longer resigned to the blocks and steel of infrastructure. Investing in human capital, technology and innovation, entrepreneurship as well as the environment are equally important for the sustainable growth of travel and tourism,” he continued. 

Minister Bartlett emphasised tourism’s role as a key driver of the national economy by contributing significantly to Jamaica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment and foreign exchange earnings. However, while noting the sector’s phenomenal performance, the tourism minister also cautioned that “we should not lose sight of the importance of sustainable and responsible tourism practices, which can help protect our environment and enrich our local communities.” 

Minister Bartlett highlighted that “recent Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) figures indicate that between January and August of 2023, Jamaica welcomed some 2.77 million visitors, a 32.6% increase over the corresponding period last year. This includes 1.97 million stopover visitors, up 19.7% and 801,042 cruise visitors, representing an increase of 81.06%, over the same period last year, with gross earnings of US$2.93 billion, which is a 21.8% increase in gross tourism dollars earned in just those eight months.”

With this in mind, Director of Tourism, Donovan White, echoed the tourism minister’s sentiments, saying, “Jamaica's record-breaking performance reflects our commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices. We believe that by investing in these areas, we not only safeguard our beautiful destination but also ensure the long-term success and resilience of our tourism industry. As tourism leads Jamaica’s post-pandemic recovery, this year’s focus for Tourism Awareness Week could not be more appropriate.”

The week will begin with a Thanksgiving Church Service at the Montego Bay New Testament Church of God, St. James on Sunday, September 24. Tree planting and seedling handing-over exercises will be held in conjunction with Tourism Action Clubs at schools across the island, starting in Kingston at the Excelsior High School on Monday, September 25. 

For World Tourism Day (September 27) a special Youth Forum will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, which seeks to offer youth a chance to actively participate in discussions about the future of the tourism industry. The program will encompass engaging presentations, exhibitions and live performances. Minister Bartlett will join other global tourism leaders including officials from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in marking World Tourism Day 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he noted that, “Jamaica will be the toast of this year’s celebration as a model of resilience and people-oriented investments.”

Other activities include a Virtual Knowledge Forum on Tuesday, September 26; a school speaker series from Monday, September 25 to Friday, September 29; a Tourism Opportunities Visionary Symposium and follow-up workshops scheduled for Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29, respectively and the roll-out of the Tourism Awareness Week 2023 Online Resource Guide.