Mammee Bay, St Ann. April21, 2023:  Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett yesterday lead in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the recently renovated ruin of the Mammee Bay waterwheel in St Ann, adding it to the many attractions in that parish.

Referring to the history of the waterwheel and its role in providing water for the Drax Hall sugar plantation during the colonial era, Minister Bartlett underscored the importance of preserving the country’s heritage while recognizing that monuments such as this one was built by our forefathers even though they laboured as slaves.

He also underlined the importance of heritage attractions to tourism, adding that attention would be given to even more across St Ann and the rest of Jamaica.

Significant features of the Mammee Bay waterwheel restoration include the fact that it was executed by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) in partnership with the National Water Commission, which contributed $3.4 million and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust with the support of the St Ann Municipal Corporation, the Urban Development Corporation and the National Works Agency.

Also, it is the first project of its kind to be implemented in a public-private sector partnership and has resulted in a memorandum of understanding being signed between TPDCo and Ocho Rios Jerk Centre to maintain the monument for the next five years.

Minister Bartlett hailed the signing of the MOU as “a signature statement that is being made about the new direction that we’re going with regards to the inclusion of community in the management of public spaces, and the tourism space in particular.”

He said the Ocho Rios Jerk Centre represented the first and the next would be in Negril where the community “has now coalesced around the need for Destination Assurance as a real driver of the quality experience which is safe, secure and seamless that we offer to the world, and we promise to our visitors and locals alike.”

He disclosed that this MOU would be replicated across the country “as we seek that partnership with private sector groups and as we own the public space.”

In his greetings, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Mathew Samuda, said the NWC contributed $3.4 million dollars to the project, and this was an indication of its commitment to providing adequate water to the parish.  Minister Samuda also announced a $500 million dollar water and sewage improvement programme for the parish of St Ann over the next three years.

The waterwheel restoration is being undertaken in phases and Minister of Culture, Hon Olivia “Babsy” Grange welcomed it “as a step in the right direction to preserve, promote and protect our national monuments that were left behind by our ancestors as symbols of our rich culture and our rich heritage.”

Supporting Minister Bartlett, she said although it was on property that played an important role in the enslavement of our ancestors who were brought here from Africa, who were considered property that was bought and sold, “we were the ones that built the waterwheel” so this was an important step in the memorialization of our past and the celebration of our heritage.”

Minister Grange said based on its location, the waterwheel had great economic potential as a heritage tourism attraction.

OCHO RIOS, St Ann, Jamaica; Monday, April 24, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett is staging a relentless war against public disorder, which, he says, poses a real threat to safety within the tourism industry.

The need for order was central to a meeting with stakeholders and a town hall meeting hosted by the Ministry of Tourism recently as it took its National Consultation on the Destination Assurance Framework and Strategy (DAFS) to the people of Ocho Rios and St Mary.

The meetings were part of an extensive tour that started with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Mammee Bay Waterwheel ruin, followed by the Ocho Rios Cruise Terminal, Blue Hole and both the Pineapple Craft Market and the stakeholders meeting. The popular spot for White River Rafting is to be visited at a later date.

Espousing a tough stance, Minister Bartlett told his audience during the town hall meeting held at the Ocho Rios Baptist Church that while the tourism industry had bounced back and was exceeding projections with record levels of growth, disorder was a real threat that would not be tolerated.

He reiterated that tourism had become the driver of Jamaica’s economic development and belonged to everyone deserving of having the opportunity to earn from it “but they can’t get a slice of the pie if there’s disorder.”

Mr. Bartlett said all the components that make up tourism were owned by other sectors but that the industry gave visitors an assurance of safety and security that must be protected. Destination  Assurance should therefore be seen in the context of creating a framework which will guide all players in the industry and bring about harmony among them to operate seamlessly.

He suggested however that it was hard to do that with so many parts to the equation and each going in their own direction so the DAFS was attempting to “pull it all together” under one umbrella that provides the framework and strategy on how to operate with confidence.

Underscoring that tourism belonged to everyone, regardless of social status, Minister Bartlett stressed that “tourism can only operate in a space of order; if there is no order there can be no tourism and so this Destination Assurance Framework and Strategy is designed to enable order.”

He said, when in place, Jamaica will be the only country in the world to have a Destination Assurance Framework and Strategy.

The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) has been charged as the guardian of Destination Assurance with the primary responsibility of monitoring, managing and providing the framework within which players in the industry operate.

The Minister noted that as the regulators, TPDCo will be monitoring areas where tourism assets exist “and where we are giving service to Jamaicans and foreigners and we are going to ensure that public order is maintained” and everyone is given a chance to benefit.

Mr. Bartlett also disclosed that there will be extensive training and: “In short order we are going to look at those in the informal space and bring them into the formal system,” stressing that “we not throwing out anybody.”

While expressions of important developments in tourism were made along the tour and during the meetings, several issues of concern to industry stakeholders in both St Ann and St Mary were pointed out and are to receive the requisite attention.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Wednesday, April 19, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed optimism in the growth prospects for the sector stressing that “this is the biggest and best winter season Jamaica has ever had in the history of tourism” adding that the tourism industry was set on a path to continue the boom now being experienced.

He said: “For the January to March 2023 period, it is estimated that Jamaica welcomed 1.18 million visitors, which represents growth of 94.4% when compared to the same period in 2022. This represents earnings of US$1.15 billion, 46.4% above the US$786.8 million earned for the same period in 2022.”

In reviewing the performance of the tourism sector as he opened the Sectoral Debate in Parliament yesterday, Minister Bartlett noted that arrivals for 2022 were up by 117% and earnings by 71.4% when compared to 2021. Jamaica welcomed 3.3 million visitors and earned an estimated US$3.7 billion in 2022 and projections for 2024 are for US$4.1 billion in earnings.

He told Parliament that: “If there was ever an industry that has the potential to transform our nation, our communities and the lives and livelihoods of the Jamaican people for the better, it is tourism” adding that real gross domestic product (GDP) for the economy is projected to “grow within the range of 3.0% to 5.0% during January – March 2023 when compared to January – March 2022.” This growth is expected to be led by strong performances by the hotels and restaurants, and the mining and quarrying industries.

Minister Bartlett highlighted that in fiscal year 2023/24 GDP is anticipated to be driven by continued robust performance in stopover arrivals, facilitated by increased room capacity and intensified marketing efforts.

“Never before in the history of Jamaica has tourism made such a great contribution to the national economy and we are willing to contribute to that process and to make even greater contributions,” declared Mr. Bartlett, noting that “Jamaicans at all levels of society can enjoy a bigger slice of the tourism pie.”

Mr. Bartlett outlined that “investments continue to boom to drive the industry’s recovery (and) over the last five years tourism investment contributed 20% of the island’s total foreign direct investments (FDI) and over the next 5 to 10 years, there are multiple upcoming investment projects which will see the addition of 15,000 to 20,000 new rooms with investment of US$4 billion to US$5 billion.”

The Minister said stakeholders had been working together to build a tourism industry that was equitable, viable and which generates opportunities for all. He noted that “tourism will be the biggest driver of economic growth and prosperity in Jamaica for years to come and it is absolutely important that you are made aware of the work that we have been doing over the last year in repositioning the sector to achieve higher growth rates, a better spread of the benefits of tourism to each and every Jamaican and stronger linkages throughout the economic fabric of this beautiful island.”

WASHINGON DC, Friday, April 14, 2023: In a critical analysis of tourism and its importance to global economies, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has made a universal call on international financial institutions (IFIs) to invest in ideas to build industry capacity for full recovery and inclusive growth.

Minister Bartlett was one of four notable climate finance panellists addressing the topic, “The Paris Agreement: Progress or Prevarication?” at the 2023 Global Inclusive Growth Summit in Washington D.C. yesterday (April 13).

Underscoring the industry’s importance, he said tourism remained the engine of economic growth, job creation and development in many countries around the world and was especially crucial to the livelihoods of undiversified island economies. Also, for the foreseeable future, tourism would continue to be a fundamental pillar of the world economy.

Noting that the tourism product in most parts of the developing world was heavily tied to the natural environment, Minister Bartlett likened tourism development to a two-edged sword, being both a victim of and a contributor to climate change.

He stated that “the growth, development and expansion of the tourism product quite often threaten environmental sustainability. Admittedly, among other resources, the hospitality industry uses substantial amounts of energy for providing comfort and services to its guests, typically with a low level of energy efficiency.”

With concerns about sustainability and social inclusion gaining traction, Minister Bartlett said the concept of sustainable tourism had emerged as a way to balance the economic, social and environmental aspects of the industry because of its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities.

In that context, Minister Bartlett told the global summit that “A key aspect of tourism resilience is socio-economic resilience, which entails maximizing the tourism sector’s ability to promote social inclusion, economic diversification, and community engagement in tourism development. Sustainable tourism should contribute to poverty reduction, social cohesion and local community well-being, and reduce inequality and marginalization.”

He indicated that strategies for enhancing socio-economic resilience in tourism destinations should include “promoting local ownership and control of tourism resources, facilitating community-based tourism initiatives, providing training and capacity building opportunities for local communities, and fostering cultural preservation and heritage conservation.”

Also, Minister Bartlett pointed to environmental resilience as another key aspect of tourism resilience, adding, “This thrust recognizes that tourism and environmental resilience are intertwined as the sustainability of tourist destinations depend heavily on the health and preservation of natural resources and ecosystems.”

In that regard, he said that for its own long-term viability, the tourism sector needed to make environmental resilience a core focus and prioritize safeguarding the natural environment and mitigating the negative impacts of tourism on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Citing the need for coordination, strong actions, and political and financial support for tourism’s transition to greater inclusivity and sustainability, Minister Bartlett said this should reflect a societal approach incorporating internal and external stakeholders, including governments, businesses, local communities, NGOs, think tanks, academia, and travellers “to ensure that the tourism sector plays a critical role in mitigating climate change by adopting sustainable practices, investing in green infrastructure, promoting responsible tourism behaviours, and raising awareness among travellers.”

Arguing that meaningful collaboration and partnerships were required to develop climate-resilient infrastructure, promote nature-based solutions, and integrate climate risk assessments into tourism planning and management, Minister Bartlett said, “There is an urgent need for increased funding and investment to enable sustainable tourism practices and infrastructure,  including investments in renewable energy, green transportation, eco-friendly accommodation, and waste management systems that reduce carbon emissions, minimize environmental impacts, and promote sustainable resource use.”

Minister Bartlett spoke of the need also for greater research and innovation to develop new technologies, solutions, and best practices that can help the tourism industry adapt to climate change and reduce its carbon footprint.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Tuesday, April 11, 2023: Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett is currently in Washington D.C. for a series of high-level meetings, over the next four days, with international organizations and tourism partners.

Foremost on Minister Bartlett’s compact itinerary is his participation in the 5th Special Meeting of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Tourism (CITUR), which he chairs.  CITUR is the most prestigious tourism body in the Americas. It lends continuity to dialogue on partnerships for development in tourism, follows up on the mandates issued at the ministerial level, and identifies multilateral cooperation initiatives.

Also of primary importance is his participation in a review of climate finance arising from decisions taken nearly half a year ago at COP27 at which the crucial role of multilateral development banks was front and centre. Minister Bartlett will join a panel of distinguished speakers who will take stock of climate finance, the role of MDBs and the private sector and look ahead to the next major climate summit COP28, under the theme, “Paris Agreement: Progress or Prevarification?”.  

This panel discussion is part of the 2023 Global Inclusive Growth Summit, which has assembled a dynamic group of U.S. and global leaders for action-oriented discussions on national and international issues against the acknowledged background of a turbulent economic, environmental, and human context.  Private sector, social impact, and government leaders will partner in new ways on meaningful solutions and approaches. As a featured speaker, Minister Bartlett will share the spotlight with Ilan Goldfajn, President, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); Afsaneh Beschloss, Founder and CEO, RockCreek and His Excellency Majid Al-Suwaidi, Director General, COP28.

The Summit runs alongside the 2023 Spring Meetings and other related ancillary meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, taking place currently until April 16, 2023, in Washington. Minister Bartlett will be Jamaica’s representative at these meetings.

Among Mr. Bartlett’s other official engagements will be meetings with representatives from George Washington University, Chemonics International, Paramount Pictures and Salamander Hotels and Resorts.

Minister Bartlett returns to the island on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, April 4, 2023: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and his South African counterpart, Hon. Patricia de Lille, met yesterday (April 3) to discuss building a cooperation framework to make tourism for both countries a key driver of economic development.

“Jamaica welcomes the potential for collaboration, particularly in the field of tourism. This is an industry that can be transformative, socially and economically, so we want to leverage tourism for the full benefit of our respective countries.  Both Jamaica and South Africa are leaders in sustainable tourism, so together we have a lot of ideas and best practices to share,” noted Minister Bartlett.

The tourism ministers met on the margins of the African Tourism Investment Summit, currently underway in Cape Town, South Africa, under the theme: “Revitalizing Investment in Sustainable Tourism on the African Continent”, where Mr. Bartlett participated in a ministerial roundtable with government ministers, finance executives and administrators from South Africa, Botswana, Spain and Sierra Leone.

The two nations also agreed to further cooperation in the areas of human capital development, particularly training, and the building out of investment options to have South African investors look at product development in Jamaica. Minister Bartlett said noted, “Opportunities abound for investment in Jamaica’s tourism industry, so we welcome this interest from South Africa”.

With regard to air connectivity, the tourism ministers discussed prospects for introducing new flight services between the two counties. “South African Airlines, Africa’s leading airline, is currently focused on continental Africa.  However, post-COVID, the airline intends to re-enter the US and UK markets.  With our airline partner, Delta, flying directly into Cape Town both airlines can codeshare to facilitate the movement of traffic from South Africa through Atlanta to Kingston and Montego Bay,” Minister Bartlett explained.

“I look forward to building out the relationship with tour operators and travel agents in South Africa to get the tourism traffic moving,” he added. The African market of 1.3 billion people is being eyed as the next big visitor source market for Jamaica as the industry seeks to diversify beyond traditional markets in North America and Europe.

Ministers Bartlett and de Lille also discussed establishing a satellite Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) at the University of Johannesburg.  Mr. Bartlett noted that the University of the West Indies, Mona, where the GTRCMC is headquartered, and the University of Johannesburg “have already forged an academic partnership so this will be a good fit. It will pave the way for the two institutions to work together to develop policy and conduct relevant research on destination preparedness, management and recovery.”  The centre will serve Southwest Africa.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, April 4, 2023: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has reiterated his commitment to strengthening relations between the Caribbean and Africa. “The Caribbean has a golden opportunity to work together in this new mode of ‘co-petion’ that is driving the way forward for tourism collaboration.  And the opportunity to become the bridgehead for Africa to the markets of the Americas looms greatly,” the tourism minister stated.

Speaking yesterday (April 3) at a Ministerial Roundtable at the African Tourism Investment Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, Minister Bartlett said, “I think that it is a wonderful opportunity for a reverse diaspora experience where we, from the new world, can give back to Africa based on our expertise and our investment resources in building the tourism that the Caribbean has become very famous and proficient in delivering. This is our chance to give back to Africa and tourism can be the vehicle.”

The Ministerial Roundtable, titled: “Developing a Sustainable Tourism Industry in Africa by Integrating Cultural, Environment, Good Governance and Social Concerns,” included presentations from government ministers, finance executives and administrators from South Africa, Botswana, Spain and Sierra Leone.

The African market of 1.3 billion people is being eyed as the next big source market for tourists to Jamaica as the industry seeks to diversify beyond traditional markets in North America and Europe. In furtherance of this objective, exploratory talks have been held with representatives of Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Rwanda Air concerning regular air service between Africa and Jamaica.  “This will not only open up the African Market to the Caribbean but, also, Jamaica will become the gateway by which persons in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean may travel to the African continent,” Minister Bartlett stated.

There has also been extensive cooperation between Jamaica and Africa in the era of tourism resilience. In February, Jamaica hosted an African Caribbean Tourism Summit as part of the historic Global Tourism Resilience Conference in Kingston.  In addition, the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), which is headquartered in Kingston, is looking to expand its satellite network in Africa.  Currently, there is one centre in Africa, which is located at Kenyatta University in Kenya. However, there have been initial talks with Nigeria and Botswana.

The African Tourism Investment Summit, being held from April 3-5, 2023, attracts hundreds of ministers, mayors, investors, private equity firms, venture capitalists, decision makers, international buyers and travel professionals to focus on African tourism, investment trends, industry challenges and opportunities. The event is part of Africa Travel Week.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, April 3, 2022:  Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett will today (April 3) join government ministers, finance executives and administrators from South Africa, Botswana, Spain and Sierra Leone on a Ministerial Roundtable titled: “Developing a Sustainable Tourism Industry in Africa by Integrating Cultural, Environment, Good Governance and Social Concerns”. The roundtable is one of the highlights of the African Tourism Investment Summit being held from April 3-5, 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa, under the theme: “Revitalizing Investment in Sustainable Tourism on the African Continent”.

Minister Bartlett, who left the island on Saturday (April 1), has been invited to speak at the highly anticipated summit in his capacity as a well-respected global thought leader on tourism resilience and development. The event is also an opportunity for the tourism minister to explore expansion of the Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre’s (GTRCMC) satellite network in Africa, enhance cooperation in the areas of travel and hospitality between Jamaica and South Africa, and engage with the Ministers of Tourism of several African countries who will be attending the summit.

“The Government of Jamaica has been actively working to strengthen ties between Jamaica and the continent of Africa in the areas of travel, trade and investment. From a tourism perspective, Africa is the new frontier and Jamaica and, in fact, the wider Caribbean, are particularly interested in tapping into this new market.  Another important area of cooperation is tourism resilience. We already have a GTRCMC satellite centre in Kenya and we look forward to expanding this important Africa Network,” Minister Bartlett noted. 

“With the strong historical and cultural association between Jamaica and Africa, it is strategic to collaborate and strengthen our tourism cooperation. The summit will provide this opportunity,” he added.

The African Tourism Investment Summit attracts hundreds of ministers, mayors, investors, private equity firms, venture capitalists, decision makers, international buyers and travel professionals to focus on African tourism, investment trends, industry challenges and opportunities. The event is part of Africa Travel Week.

Minister Bartlett will return to the island on April 7, 2023.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Monday, April 3, 2023:  Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has thrown down the gauntlet against disorderly behaviour, especially in resort areas. “I want to say very loudly that Destination Assurance is fully predicated on public order. And the Ministry of Tourism and the tourism sector stand squarely behind the Ministry of National Security to secure and ensure public order in the public spaces of Jamaica,” he declared.

The Minister stressed, “We repudiate and we absolutely have disdain for a view or a practice, in fact a philosophy,  that suggests that because of class, colour, race, creed or economic station, you should be excused from good public conduct.”

His comments to the St. James Destination Assurance Council (DAC) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on Thursday, March 30, 2023, drew sustained applause from the crowd. “I believe that Jamaica’s future is doomed if we have, on any side, political or otherwise, religious or otherwise, purveyors of thought that continue to give the impression that you must be excused because you’re poor, for poor behaviour and for disruptive and disorderly conduct,” the Tourism Minister continued.

Minister Bartlett said no argument about the historic process “and the fact that we are a creature of some historic experience should excuse us from the responsibility to ensure that each and every individual has the right to access public space with freedom and peace.”

Minister Bartlett said people travel to fulfil the five passions points of food, shopping, health and wellness, entertainment and sports, and knowledge; however, there are elements of assurance that a destination must give to a visitor to ensure confidence to visit, stay and return after their vacation.  

On the question of harassment, he said people want to know that when they move around, they can do so with confidence, ease and respect for their rights and their person. They also want to be assured that they will not be abused either because of their class, colour, race or their orientation.

He said Destination Assurance, therefore, calls for a team of competent people to ensure that the touch points that will enable a visitor to have a safe, secure and seamless vacation, are in place. Tourism of itself could not do it, said Minister Bartlett, “because we don't exist as an entity unto ourselves. We only exist because all the key players in these many activities that I mentioned are doing a good job, and that is very critical.”

Accompanied by the Minister of National Security, Hon. Horace Chang,  representatives of the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies as well as the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Urban Development Corporation, St. James Municipal Corporation and the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Minister Bartlett undertook a marine and land tour of Montego Bay prior to the DAC meeting.

The boat toured the coastline from Pier1 to Dead End Beach, where there are plans to construct a boardwalk.  There was also a walk-through of Montego Bay’s newest mixed-use commercial development – the US$10 million Harbour City complex now under construction. The complex, which is slated  to be completed in June of this year, will comprise 54 shops, including restaurants and studio apartments for Airbnb rental. It will also be Montego Bay’s first commercial complex with roof parking and a sky pool. The officials also visited the Old Fort and Montego Bay craft markets, the Cultural Centre and other sections of downtown Montego Bay.

The tourism capital is also to benefit from the Tourism Product Development Company’s (TPDCo) spruce up program. TPDCo will be working with the security and fire services as well as the municipal corporation to clean and prepare areas that could become centres of excellence. There are also plans to incentivize users of public spaces, commercial and otherwise, to ensure the creation of a culture of public order within the tourism spaces of Montego Bay.

The tour is part of an islandwide destination assurance drive by the Ministry to ensure that Jamaica’s tourism product remains first class and that the country can maintain its competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

NEGRIL, Hanover, Monday, March 27, 2023: The Ministry of Tourism has begun national public consultations ahead of presenting its Destination Assurance Framework and Strategy (DAFS) to Parliament for approval as a White Paper.

Destination Assurance is seen by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett as key to the future of Jamaica’s tourism success. “It is a promise to visitors that assures an authentic, safe and seamless vacation experience, which is respectful to the community and environment,” he stated. The strategy is the blueprint that will guide the Ministry and our partners to ensure continuous improvement in the delivery and management of quality throughout the tourism value chain.

The first set of consultations took place in Negril at two meetings on Thursday, March 23, 2023.  First, with members of the Negril Destination Assurance Council, tourism stakeholders, and public and private partners at the Boardwalk Village followed by a town hall meeting with members of the public from Hanover and Westmoreland at the Negril Community Centre.

Referring to lessons taught by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Bartlett said, “We are looking at the holistic approach to tourism and a big part of it is that people travel to enable a high level of happiness and satisfaction. They go to destinations where they feel safe, secure and they have a seamless experience.”

He said approval of the White Paper “will make Jamaica the first country in the world to have a Destination Assurance Policy” and the consultation was towards that objective “because that policy can’t be promulgated without the input of you who are the players.”

Stressing that they needed to appreciate their role and responsibility in delivering on Jamaica’s brand promise, Minister Bartlett underscored, “We don’t want anyone anywhere in the world to second guess the integrity of the promise that when you come to Jamaica you will have a safe, secure, seamless vacation.”

In that vein, he said public order was critical “because tourism cannot function in chaos and disorder” and everyone had a role to play. “I think the country has to get to the point where we recognize the importance of public order, not just as a security requirement but as a means of enabling a stable and cohesive society where people feel free to move around, to operate without being molested and unduly disturbed by their neighbour,” declared Minister Bartlett.

He said this was not about tourism but about Jamaicans and their neighbours having a society “in which the rules that govern how we interact are respected and maintained.”

The Destination Assurance Policy will be placing special focus on reducing instances of visitor harassment and poor solid waste management practices. With its promulgation, the Ministry of Tourism through its relevant public bodies intends to launch a programme in each resort area for the re-socialization and skills upgrading of informal operators in the tourism sector and the formalization of the activities of persons who are trained and empowered with skills.

The strategic push will be supported by a strong legislative agenda, including amending the Tourist Board Act, the Travel Agency Act and their accompanying regulations. “In this way, the Government will modernize the provisions of these Acts, strengthen enforcement provisions, and improve our tourism product,” said Minister Bartlett.