Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, November 24, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that a special fund, valued at over $1 Billion, has been established to assist tourism workers who have been negatively impacted by hurricane Melissa. 

The Minister made the announcement as he led a tourism recovery tour of Ocho Rios recently, which highlighted the phased reopening of Ocho Rios hotels, attractions and local businesses, as well as various responsible and people-centred recovery efforts.

Minister Bartlett outlined that "the Government of Jamaica is putting $600 million, along with the private sector which is contributing some $400 million, in creating a fund of over a $1 billion for the tourism workers housing and other rehabilitation needs." 

Mr. Bartlett explained that “this blended approach to funding will enable Destination Jamaica to deploy relief resources more efficiently, by capitalizing on long established public-private sector partnerships.” 

The Minister also lauded private sector players for the assistance provided to tourism workers. He underscored that tourism workers affected by the passage of the hurricane either through its impact on their homes or job disruptions are currently benefitting from care packages courtesy of their employers as well as interest-free loans. He noted that other companies are also assisting with the rebuilding of homes for displaced workers after assessing the extent of the damage. 

Minister Bartlett also stressed that the importance of tourism to national development has again been underscored as the industry takes the lead in another post disaster recovery. He emphasized the important role Ocho Rios must now play in the revival and renewal of the tourism sector as everyone works together on its restoration.

With the forced closure of several hotels and other tourism entities in western Jamaica due to the impact of the hurricane, Minister Bartlett has challenged industry workers in the Ocho Rios resort area to lead the recovery effort.
He projects that a full recovery of the tourism sector will take time but maintains that Jamaica will be open for the winter tourist season, starting December 15, 2025.

The day-long tour included visits to large and small hotels, the iconic Dunns River Falls attraction, Ocho Rios Craft Market and in-bond stores. "Ocho Rios is the resort area that is most complete in its readiness for both ends of the tourism spectrum, - cruise as well as stopovers," Minister Bartlett observed.
He indicated that at least one large hotel in Ocho Rios is already recording a 40% occupancy rate following the hurricane, and Ocho Rios is expecting to secure 18 cruise ship calls for November.

Minister Bartlett will be taking the message of recovery and resilience to Jamaica's principal source markets over the next two weeks. 
"On December 15th when we roll out significantly, we will be saying to the world, you can come and have your experiences in the varied destinations that are in Destination Jamaica," said Minister Bartlett.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Friday, November 7, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has expressed deep gratitude to the island’s tourism partners, including two of Jamaica’s leading cruise tourism stakeholders, for their generous support of national relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa. His comments come as the global tourism industry rallies in solidarity with the destination during this critical period of recovery.

Through the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee — “Jamaica Tourism Cares,” and with the support of the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), major partners Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Group have made significant contributions to national recovery efforts being coordinated by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

Reflecting a strong spirit of partnership and humanitarian support, Carnival Horizon made a special relief call to Ocho Rios on November 4, 2025, delivering thousands of essential supplies including bottled water, baby food, diapers, canned goods, cereal, and hygiene products. Minister Bartlett explained that the shipment was handed over to ODPEM with the assistance of the Jamaica Tourism Cares team and Jamaican crew members aboard the vessel.

In addition, Carnival Corporation, in partnership with the Miami HEAT and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, has pledged US$1 million to Direct Relief to bolster recovery efforts across the island.

Similarly, Royal Caribbean Group has also pledged over US$1 million and delivered more than 34 pallets of essential supplies, including bottled water, non-perishable food, bedding, and medical kits, off-loaded in Falmouth to provide immediate relief to areas hardest hit by the storm.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the swift and generous response from the island’s tourism partners: “We are deeply grateful to Carnival Cruise Line and our wider tourism partners for this generous donation of relief supplies to Jamaica. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, our Jamaica Tourism Cares coordination committee has been engaging stakeholders across our key source markets to mobilise exactly this kind of support,” Minister Bartlett expressed. 

“These contributions bring immediate help to families and persons in need, including tourism workers, and signal to the world that our tourism family is standing with Jamaica. They also strengthen our ability to restore lives and livelihoods and help enable Jamaica to recover and emerge stronger and even more resilient,” he added.

At the same time, Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, said: “Jamaica has long been a beloved destination for Carnival guests, thanks in large part to the warmth of its people. We know the strength and resilience of Jamaicans will help get them through this difficult time, and we look forward to making our first official visit with guests as soon as government officials say they’re ready.”

In an effort to aid in the relief process, the Ministry of Tourism, through its public bodies the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), has worked with local organizations and leaders to distribute the donated items to hurricane victims. Distribution began on November 5, 2025 in the parishes of Trelawny, St. James and Hanover, with the process set to continue in the coming days. Minister Bartlett underscored that these efforts form part of the wider national relief and recovery programme coordinated by ODPEM, ensuring alignment with national priorities and the transparent distribution of aid.

The tourism minister noted that further initiatives will be intensified in the coming weeks under the Jamaica Tourism Cares banner to support especially tourism workers and their families affected by the hurricane.

“Tourism is not only about arrivals and revenues; it is about responsibility. Our partners have responded with speed and generosity, and together we are helping Jamaica and our people to heal, community by community, home by home,” Minister Bartlett noted.

Bartlett Activates Recovery Task Force and Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, October 30, 2025: In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has set a firm target for Jamaica’s tourism industry to be fully back in operation by December 15, 2025. To deliver on that goal, the Ministry has activated a high-level Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and a companion Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee (“Tourism Cares”) to synchronise public and private sector action.
“Recovery cannot be left to chance. We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics, and every enabling support behind a single objective: full industry operation by December 15,” said Minister Bartlett. “Progress will be tracked through the Ministry of Tourism with regular public updates, so workers, visitors, and partners can plan with confidence,” he added.

The Recovery Task Force is chaired by John Byles, Executive Deputy Chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, with Minister Bartlett serving as Chairman Emeritus. The Task Force comprises a distinguished cross-section of public and private sector leaders, including Hon. Tova Hamilton, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism; Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC); and Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism. Also serving on the Task Force are Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI); Ian Dear, Board Chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo); Donovan White, Director of Tourism; Jessica Shannon, Chief Experience Officer at SRI; and Christopher Jarrett, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA). They are joined by Wayne Cummings, former President of the JHTA and Chief Executive Officer of Arya Holding Jamaica; Wade Mars, Executive Director of TPDCo; Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF); Tanikie McClarthy Allen, Senior Communications Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism; and Fiona Fennell, Public Relations and Communications Manager at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

Supporting the work of the Recovery Task Force is the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee (“Tourism Cares”), chaired by Jessica Shannon, Chief Experience Officer at SRI. The team includes Christopher Jarrett, President of the JHTA; Nicola Madden-Greig, former JHTA President and Group Director of Marketing and Sales at the Courtleigh Hospitality Group; Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director for the JTB in the United Kingdom; Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith; and Joy Roberts, Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations. They will be joined by a representative from Jamaica Customs; Donovan White, Director of Tourism; Angella Bennett, Regional Director for the JTB in Canada; Phillip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism for the United States and the Americas; representatives from the Inverotel Group; with support from representatives from the Ministry’s Communications Team.

The Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force will drive the operational restart of the sector—prioritising rapid assessments, product rehabilitation, and service readiness across resorts, attractions, airports/ports, and key corridors. Working through agency and private-sector leads, it will assist with the clearing of bottlenecks, sequencing repairs, and coordinate go-to-market readiness to restore safety, service quality, and visitor confidence by December 15, 2025.
The Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee (“Tourism Cares”) will organise the giving and goodwill that accelerates recovery. It will identify, coordinate, and mobilise assistance—cash, in-kind goods, skilled volunteers, and technical expertise—from across the tourism community and, in alignment with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), route it efficiently via supportjamaica.gov.jm for transparent processing and timely delivery to workers, Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), and communities that power the visitor economy.
What “Alignment” Looks Like:
• Reassure Markets: Deploy partner communications and update on tourism’s readiness.
• Restore Product: Fast-track assessments and repairs for beaches, attractions, roads, utilities, and port interfaces.
• Protect People & MSMEs: Channel relief and other support; foster pipelines that return small suppliers and performers to work quickly.

Minister Bartlett noted that both task forces will coordinate closely with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) to integrate lessons from previous recovery efforts, including Jamaica’s record-breaking post-COVID-19 recovery, and ensure a comprehensive approach to rebuilding the sector. 

“Tourism’s strength lies not just in its product offerings, but in its people and partnerships. The speed and synergy of our response show the industry’s resilience and our unwavering commitment to recovery with empathy, compassion, and innovation,” added the Tourism Minister.
 

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Jamaica's tourism industry is showcasing its resilience and crisis management capabilities as it prepares for Hurricane Melissa, with Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, highlighting the sector's comprehensive preparedness systems that will be activated.

Minister Bartlett emphasized that Jamaica's proven track record in preparedness positions the destination to maintain its reputation for visitor safety and operational excellence even during challenging weather conditions.

“Our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crises is what continues to set Jamaica apart as a world-class destination,” Minister Bartlett stated. “Resilience has long been at the heart of Jamaica's tourism success. We have learnt from experience that preparedness is the foundation of recovery.”

The Ministry of Tourism has activated its sophisticated Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) as of Thursday, October 23, 2025. The TEOC will coordinate seamlessly with the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, its Destination Managers for each resort area and other key agencies, to ensure the safety of visitors and locals and overall sector continuity.

“This coordinated response reflects Jamaica's investment in robust disaster risk management systems across all levels of our tourism industry,” Minister Bartlett explained. “From our hoteliers and attraction operators to our transportation providers and dedicated tourism workers, we have established protocols that prioritize safety while maintaining service excellence.”

The Minister noted that Jamaica's tourism stakeholders are well-versed in implementing their internal preparedness plans, a capability developed through years of experience and continuous training that reinforces the destination's commitment to visitor welfare. “By preparing now, we ensure that Jamaica remains strong, safe, resilient and ready to continue operations moving forward,” Minister Bartlett affirmed. “Our tourism stakeholders remain calm, vigilant and united in our efforts to protect both our people and our industry.”

The Ministry and its public bodies continue to monitor official updates and maintains close communication with all tourism entities to ensure seamless information flow and coordinated action as the weather system approaches.
 

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Wednesday, October 22, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is urging all tourism stakeholders, industry partners and visitors across the island to take every necessary precaution as Tropical Storm Melissa continues its slow approach toward Jamaica.

Minister Bartlett noted that while the weather system’s path remains uncertain at this time, the Ministry is working closely with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, and other relevant agencies to ensure the sector’s preparedness and safety.

“Resilience has long been at the heart of Jamaica’s tourism success,” Minister Bartlett said. “We have learnt from experience that preparedness is the foundation of recovery. As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, I urge all our stakeholders, including hoteliers, attraction owners, transportation operators, and our hospitable tourism workers, to initiate their internal disaster risk management systems and ensure that safety remains the top priority,” he added. 

“In anticipation of the system’s arrival, the Ministry’s Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) will move to activation at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. This will ensure continued coordination between key agencies and industry partners to safeguard the tourism sector,” Minister Bartlett explained.

“Our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crises is what continues to set Jamaica apart as a world-class destination,” Mr. Bartlett stressed. “Let us remain calm, vigilant, and united in our efforts to protect both our people and our industry. By preparing now, we ensure that Jamaica remains strong, safe, resilient and ready to continue thriving moving forward,” Bartlett noted. 

He underscored that the Ministry continues to monitor updates from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and encourages all tourism entities, citizens and visitors to do the same, adhering to official guidance as conditions evolve.

TORONTO, Canada; Thursday October 8, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has announced that initial discussions have started to have the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI) and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) collaborate to develop comprehensive training and certification programs for tourism professionals across Jamaica. 

This groundbreaking partnership will aim to strengthen the capabilities of Jamaica's tourism workforce by providing world-class professional development opportunities that align with international industry standards. The collaboration will leverage TMU's extensive expertise in hospitality and tourism education alongside JCTI's deep understanding of the Caribbean tourism landscape.

“This partnership represents a significant milestone in our commitment to building a highly skilled, globally competitive tourism workforce,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. “By working with Toronto Metropolitan University, we're bringing internationally recognized training standards to Jamaica while ensuring our programs reflect the unique strengths of Caribbean hospitality.”

This announcement follows a tour and meeting with the Minister and his team and TMU Executives at the University on Tuesday October 7, 2025.

While in its infancy, the collaboration will look at developing specialized training modules in areas including customer service excellence and sustainable tourism practices. Tourism workers at all levels—from frontline staff to management—will have access to certification programs designed to enhance their skills and career advancement opportunities.

“We are ensuring human capital development at the highest level for our workers who are at the heart of tourism. When they are trained and certified it will not only professionalize the sector, but it will allow them to earn and demand more,” added Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.

TMU brings decades of experience in tourism education and has established itself as a leader in innovative, practice-based learning. The university's Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is renowned for its industry partnerships and commitment to excellence in education.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation to create meaningful learning opportunities for tourism professionals,” said one TMU representative. “This partnership allows us to share knowledge and best practices while learning from Jamaica's rich tourism heritage and innovative approaches to hospitality.”

Both institutions are committed to ensuring the development of a successful programme. This collaboration underscores Jamaica's ongoing commitment to tourism excellence and workforce development as critical pillars of the nation's economic growth strategy.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Wednesday, October 8, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica is aiming to welcome 600,000 Canadian visitors annually and generate US$750 million in tourism earnings by 2030.

The goal comes as the destination experiences a 22 per cent increase in Canadian airlift capacity for the upcoming winter season.

The new key performance indicators (KPIs) were announced during the minister’s address at the Edith Baxter Memorial Award, which recognises individuals who have made a substantial contribution towards the positive advancement of Jamaica’s tourism industry.

“Canada represents one of our most important and fastest-growing source markets,” said Bartlett. “The substantial increase in airlift capacity this winter demonstrates the strong confidence our airline partners have in Jamaica’s appeal to Canadian travellers. We are committed to building on this momentum to achieve our 2030 vision of 600,000 Canadian visitors and three-quarters of a billion dollars in tourism revenue.”

Donovan White, director of tourism, maintained that with the continued strengthening of the country’s trade partnerships, it will be possible to achieve the new targets.

The JTB says the destination’s diverse tourism product, from all-inclusive resorts to boutique properties, authentic cultural experiences and adventure tourism offerings, continues to resonate strongly with Canadian travellers.

“These targets are not merely aspirational—they are achievable,” Bartlett emphasised. “With our expanded airlift, continued investment in tourism infrastructure and Jamaica’s unmatched destination appeal, we are well-positioned to capture a larger share of Canadian outbound travel over the next five years.”

The Jamaica Tourist Board says it will intensify its marketing efforts in Canada, focusing on digital engagement, travel trade partnerships and consumer-facing campaigns that showcase the island’s authentic experiences and value proposition.

Currently, Jamaica has welcomed 485,000 visitors to its shores. This is 15,000 less than the 500,000 target set for 2025.

As Jamaica welcomes the winter season with enhanced connectivity, the tourism sector anticipates strong performance from the Canadian market, setting the foundation for sustained growth toward the 2030 targets.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, October 7, 2025: Jamaica has secured several prestigious awards on the international stage with the destination winning 45 major awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony, held on October 4 in St. Lucia. Jamaica captured 29 regional awards and 16 national prizes.

Jamaica was again named the Caribbean’s Leading Destination for the 19th consecutive year with the Jamaica Tourist Board winning the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board award for the 17th year in a row. The country was also named the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2025, with the Port of Ocho Rios being named the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port 2025 and the Port of Montego Bay being named the Caribbean’s Leading Home Port 2025. Jamaica was also named the Caribbean's Leading Family Travel Destination 2025.

In lauding the remarkable achievement of destination Jamaica and its tourism stakeholders, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett said: “I am very pleased to see the hard work and dedication of the tourism team being recognised and rewarded internationally. It is truly heartening to see Jamaica consistently perform at a very high level despite the challenges faced by the destination in recent times. This performance is testament to the resilience and commitment of Destination Jamaica and our remarkable tourism stakeholders.” 

Bartlett added that: “As we enter a new chapter in the development of tourism in Jamaica, as Minister I feel blessed to share in these achievements and encourage all our tourism players to build on this track record of outstanding performance as we continue to enhance our tourism product. Congratulations to the entire tourism team!” 

In the accommodation sub-sector, Sandals Resorts International received several awards, being named the Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand 2025. Sandals Dunn’s River was named the Caribbean's Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2025. Similarly, Sandals Montego Bay was named the Caribbean's Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025 and Jamaica's Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025, while Sandals South Coast was named the Caribbean's Most Romantic Resort 2025. Sandals Negril was named Jamaica's Leading Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resort 2025 and Sandals Royal Caribbean was named Jamaica's Leading Resort 2025. Beaches Negril secured the award as Jamaica's Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025. 

Half Moon also walked away with two awards, securing the titles of the Caribbean's Leading Hotel 2025 and Jamaica's Leading Villa Resort 2025. Likewise, Princess Grand Jamaica was named the Caribbean's Leading New Resort 2025, while Princess Senses The Mangrove was named the Caribbean's Leading Water Villa Resort 2025.

GoldenEye was also among the big winners, securing the Caribbean's Leading Boutique Resort 2025 award, while GoldenEye Villa was named the Caribbean's Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2025 and Jamaica's Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2025. 

Additionally, The Tryall Club was awarded the Caribbean's Leading Hotel Residences 2025. The Caribbean's Leading Luxury Private Villa 2025 and Jamaica's Leading Luxury Private Villa 2025 awards both went to Malatai Villa. Round Hill Hotel & Villas won multiple awards, being named the Caribbean's Leading Villa Resort 2025 and Jamaica's Leading Luxury Resort 2025, while One-Bedroom Suite at Round Hill Hotel and Villas was named Jamaica's Leading Hotel Suite 2025. 

The Montego Bay Convention Centre retained the title of the Caribbean's Leading Meetings & Conference Centre. Sangster International Airport, and Club Mobay at Sangster International Airport were named the Caribbean's Leading Airport 2025 and the Caribbean's Leading Airport Lounge 2025 respectively.

One of the night’s biggest winners was GO! Jamaica Travel, taking home four awards, the Caribbean's Leading Destination Management Company 2025, Caribbean's Leading Tour Operator 2025, Caribbean's Leading Travel Agency 2025 and Jamaica's Leading Travel Agency 2025. 

Island Routes walked away with the Caribbean's Leading Adventure Tour Operator 2025 award. Chukka Caribbean Adventures won the Caribbean's Leading Destination Experiences 2025 award, while Chukka Ocean Outpost was named the Caribbean's Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2025. The Rose Hall Great House Tour was named the Caribbean's Leading Tourist Attraction 2025.

Other winners on the night included Island Car Rentals which received the Caribbean's Leading Independent Car Rental Company 2025 and Jamaica's Leading Car Rental Company 2025 awards. 

Jamaica's Leading Beach Resort 2025 award went to Excellence Oyster Bay and Strawberry Hill was named Jamaica’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2025. S Hotel Kingston copped the prize for Jamaica's Leading Business Hotel 2025, while S Hotel Montego Bay was awarded Jamaica's Leading Hotel 2025. Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall was named Jamaica's Leading Conference Hotel 2025.

LONDON, United Kingdom; Friday, October 3, 2025: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, is targeting an ambitious new goal of attracting 500,000 visitors from the United Kingdom (UK) by 2030, underscoring the country’s strategic commitment to strengthening its position in one of its most important source markets.

Speaking at the platinum celebration awards during Jamaica Travel Market, Minister Bartlett outlined the government’s forward-looking vision to significantly boost arrivals from the UK – a market that has shown steady recovery and growth following the global pandemic.

“The United Kingdom holds a deeply rooted connection with Jamaica, through our shared history, culture, and vibrant diaspora,” said Minister Bartlett. “Our goal of reaching half a million UK visitors annually by 2030 is bold but also reflects the growing appetite among British travellers for the authentic Jamaican experience.”

The Minister highlighted a multi-pronged approach to reaching the 500,000-visitor target, including expanding airlift from major UK cities; deepening partnerships with UK-based tour operators and travel agents; and using targeted digital and in-market campaigns tailored to UK audiences.

The strategic plan will also include leveraging Jamaica’s strong diaspora in the UK to encourage multi-generational travel and investing in destination development to offer new and immersive experiences for visitors.

Minister Bartlett emphasized that while the UK is currently Jamaica’s third-largest source market, “the time is ripe to accelerate our efforts and claim a greater share of outbound travel from the UK – especially among experience-driven travellers, repeat visitors, and first-time explorers looking for sun, culture, and connection.”

The push to reach 500,000 UK arrivals is part of the Minister’s broader strategy of welcoming 8million visitors and earn USD10billion, which positions tourism as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and community development. 

“With more UK visitors comes greater opportunity for jobs, for investment, and for showcasing Jamaica to the world,” Bartlett added. “We are not just increasing numbers – we are expanding possibilities for Jamaicans across the island.”

UK arrivals to Jamaica have rebounded significantly post-pandemic, bolstered by increased flight frequency and rising demand. British travellers consistently rank Jamaica as the top Caribbean destination for its music, food, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

“We are encouraged by the upward trend and are putting the right strategies in place to sustain and grow it,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism. “This new target aligns with our renewed marketing push across the UK and source markets in general.”

Last year UK arrivals grew by 11% with 230,783 visitors arriving in Jamaica. continued growth in airlift for 2026 and beyond is also expected as our partners confidently increase rotations.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Wednesday, October 1, 2025: The Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies have recorded another major milestone in the drive to foster human capital development, as the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI), a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), has facilitated the certification of two locally-trained senior chefs, currently employed by one of the island’s leading hotel chains. 

The JCTI works in partnership with international accreditation bodies, such as the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)  to certify trained tourism workers, with the latest being two employees from the Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara resorts in Montego Bay who came out on top of the JCTI sous chef development programme. 

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has identified human capital development as a critical plank in developing the tourism sector, with one of the goals being to staff the industry up to the highest levels with home-grown talent.

Congratulating the two latest achievers, Minister Bartlett said the programme “is showing the signs of fruition that we really want and we have already certified over 20,000 competent workers who needed the certification for mobility in their respective organizations, and also to improve their earning within the sector. This also facilitates their portability or ability to move from one country to the other as professionals.”

St. Hilda’s High School past student, Mernel Casey who topped the training class in two assessments, has been rewarded with a promotion to Hyatt’s Executive Sous Chef and her co-worker, Shamanda Barnes, has moved up to being Chef de Cuisine. Minister Bartlett outlined that “all three sous chefs at the Hyatt properties are now Jamaicans, while normally these roles would be filled by expatriates.”

Ms. Casey believes that cooking chose her “from a little girl making cookies for my nieces and nephews, and they always enjoyed it.” Feeling the passion, she embraced home economics and cooking at school, studying at both Brown’s Town Community College and the Montego Bay Community College. She later embarked on her career path as a dining room supervisor before transitioning to the kitchen.

Similarly, a graduate of St. James High School, Shamanda’s journey took her to Kenilworth HEART Academy in Hanover and after vocational training she started out as a kitchen help for eight years before being employed as a cook at Hyatt Zilara. She now basks in being elevated to the role of Chef de Cuisine. Reflecting on her achievement, she admits that “for me that journey has been wonderful for the growth, the development and the knowledge that I have accumulated.”

Hyatt’s Human Resources Manager, Betty Ann Brown said the two ladies were among eight pioneer staffers chosen by the hotel chain to participate in the JCTI certification programme and have come out on top, rightfully earning their promotions.