KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 19, 2021:  Jamaica and several players in the local tourism industry have emerged big winners at this year’s prestigious World Travel Awards. The island was named the “Caribbean’s Leading Destination’ and ‘Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination,’ while the Jamaica Tourist Board was named the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board.’

The island was also victorious in two new categories: ‘Caribbean's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination’ and ‘Caribbean's Leading Nature Destination.’

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett expressed delight at this recognition, sharing that, “Jamaica is truly honoured to be recognized in this way by the esteemed World Travel Awards group. Indeed, these accolades are a testament to the confidence the global travel industry has in Jamaica and all we have to offer.”

“I humbly accept these awards on behalf of the hardworking team at the Ministry of Tourism, the Jamaica Tourist Board and our other public bodies as well as all our tourism partners. I also wish to thank all of our stakeholders who have remained committed during these uncertain times, who emerged winners. Brand Jamaica is indeed very strong and I am so proud of all we have accomplished together,” he added.

The Hotel and Attractions sub-sectors also walked away winners, with Dunn’s River Falls named the ‘Caribbean's Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction’ and Eclipse at Half Moon, also received the ‘Caribbean’s Leading New Hotel’ accolade.

Sandals Resorts International were also big winners.  The group was named the ‘Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand’, with the winners among its Jamaican portfolio including Sandals South Coast (‘Caribbean's Leading Honeymoon Resort’); Sandals Montego Bay (‘Jamaica’s Leading Resort’) and Beaches Negril (‘Jamaica's Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort’).

Other hospitality winners included Round Hill Hotel & Villas (‘Caribbean’s Leading Villa Resort’ and ‘Jamaica's Leading Hotel’); GoldenEye (‘Caribbean’s Leading Boutique Resort’); Fleming Villa (‘Caribbean's Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’); Jamaica Inn (‘Caribbean's Leading Luxury All Suite Resort’); Strawberry Hill (‘Jamaica's Leading Boutique Hotel); Spanish Court Hotel (‘Jamaica's Leading Business Hotel’); Tryall Club (‘Caribbean's Leading Hotel Residences’); Margaritaville (‘Caribbean's Leading Entertainment Venue’); Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall (‘Jamaica's Leading Conference Hotel’); Half Moon (‘Jamaica's Leading Luxury Resort’) and Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport, as the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Airport.’

Other successful entities included Club Mobay (‘Caribbean's Leading Airport Lounge’); Island Car Rentals (Caribbean's Leading Independent Car Rental Company); Montego Bay Convention Centre (‘Caribbean's Leading Meetings & Conference Centre’); Island Routes (‘Caribbean's Leading Adventure Tour Operator’); GO! Jamaica Travel (‘Caribbean's Leading DMC’ & ‘Caribbean's Leading Tour Operator’).

Port Royal was named ‘Caribbean's Leading Tourism Development Project’; Port of Montego Bay selected ‘Caribbean's Leading Home Port’; and Port of Falmouth voted ‘Caribbean's Leading Cruise Port’.

World Travel Awards is regarded as the leading authority that recognizes and rewards excellence in travel and tourism. It was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards™ brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence. World Travel Awards celebrates its 28th anniversary year in 2021.

The results follow a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by travel industry professionals, the media and the general public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Sunday, October 17, 2021: Following his highly successful markets blitz in North America, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett left the island yesterday, accompanied by a high-level team to explore investment opportunities and trump up tourism travel to Jamaica from the United Kingdom (UK) and the Middle East.

Prior to his departure, Minister Bartlett said, “As we seek to accelerate the recovery of the tourism industry, I will be leading a delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom to explore opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) in our tourism sector as well as shore up arrivals from our third largest source market.”  He said investment would play a critical role in tourism recovery by providing the funds necessary to construct and upgrade projects essential to the development and growth of tourism capacity.

The blitz starts with targeting the travel market at the Dubai World Expo 2020 in the United Arab Emirates. Jamaica is among the more than 190 exhibitors at the expo with a pavilion highlighting the destinations latest products and innovations under the theme “Jamaica Makes it Move”, connecting the world through its unique music, food, sports and other aspects of its rich heritage.

While in the UAE, Minister and his team will meet with the country’s Tourism Authority to discuss collaboration on tourism investment from the region; Middle East tourism initiatives; and gateway access for North Africa and Asia and facilitation of airlift. Also, there will be meetings with executives of DNATA Tours, the single largest tour operator in the UAE; members of the Jamaican Diaspora in the UAE; and three major Airlines in the Middle East – Emirates, Ethiad and Qatar.

From the UAE, Minister Bartlett will head to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he will speak at the 5^th Anniversary of the Future Investment Initiative (FII). This year’s FII will include in-depth conversations about new global investment opportunities, analysis of industry trends, and unparalleled networking among CEOs, world leaders, and experts. He will be joined by Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill in his capacity as Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), with responsibility for Water, Land, Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs), the Special Economic Zone Authority of Jamaica and special projects.

The recent lifting of the UK Government’s advisory against all non-essential travel to Jamaica has paved the way for Minister Bartlett to lead a high-level team to London, October 30 to November 6, targeting the UK market. Key stakeholder engagements will be held with Virgin Atlantic, China Forum and British Airways at World Travel Market London (WTM), one of the most important annual meetings for the international travel sector.

Also, the tourism minister will be a special guest at the 9^th Advocacy Dinner of the Pacific Asia Travel Association. In continuation of his international responsibilities, he will also participate in a UN World Tourism Organization, World Travel and Tourism Council and WTM Ministers’ Summit.

The packed itinerary also includes media interviews, speaking engagements at City Nation Place Global Conference in London, a board meeting of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), and a meeting with the Jamaican Diaspora community in the UK.

Minister will return to the island on Saturday, November 6, 2021.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 9, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett believes the planned return of TUI, the world's largest tourism company, to Jamaica will be a game changer for the tourism sector moving forward.

The announcement of TUI’s return follows the UK Government’s decision to lift its advisory against all non-essential travel to Jamaica.

TUI is expected to restart flights to the island in a matter of days, after suspending them in August due to the UK Government's advice to residents against non-essential travel to the island due to the COVID-19 threat, which dealt a major blow to tourism.

Minister Bartlett described the decision by TUI to resume flights to Jamaica as “welcome news for our tourism industry which is bouncing back from the worldwide fall-out caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” He said “this has removed the uncertainty that confronted us from the UK market, which is among our largest source markets for travellers.”

Minister Bartlett expressed that “TUI’s return will be a game changer as it will spur a steady flow of visitors from the UK on which many local properties and tourism partners depend. So, the economic impact will be significant not just for tourism but the wider economy as well.”

He added that “TUI flights will resume as early as next weekend with the airline bringing in some six flights a week, providing 1,800 to 2,000 seats. We’re looking at some 10,000 room nights at hotels with tremendous spin-off for accommodation and other subsectors, particularly attraction and transportation, which means employment for more workers and the economic benefits for their families.”

Minister Bartlett said: “With TUI now back on schedule, Jamaica’s tourism recovery is well on track to regaining lost ground and puts us closer to returning to pre-COVID record numbers.”

In 2019 TUI carried 11.8 million airline passengers globally. It is the world’s leading tourism group. The broad portfolio gathered under the Group’s umbrella consists of strong tour operators, some 1,600 travel agencies and leading online portals, five airlines with around 150 aircraft, approximately 400 hotels, about 15 cruise liners and many incoming agencies in all major holiday destinations across the globe. It covers the entire tourism value chain under one roof.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 8, 2021:  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has welcomed news that the UK Government has lifted its advisory against all non-essential travel to Jamaica.

The development comes after the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, issued an update earlier today, removing COVID-19-related restrictions based on the current assessment of risks associated with the pandemic.

In light of the announcement, TUI, the world's largest tourism company, is expected to restart flights to the island this month, after suspending them in August due to the UK Government's advice to residents against non-essential travel to the island due to the COVID-19 threat.

In welcoming the news Minister Bartlett, noted that “it will provide a much-needed boost to the tourism sector and will undoubtedly benefit the economy.”

“Today’s announcement is a major development for Jamaica’s tourism industry. For us in Jamaica, the UK market is crucial, and so we eagerly anticipate once again welcoming visitors from the UK to our destination. The announcement will help to fuel arrivals from that market and help drive the recovery of our tourism sector and the Jamaican economy,” he said.

“TUI flights and tour services will also resume, which is a much-welcomed announcement for our stakeholders who depend heavily on this major global group, which is the largest carrier of UK tourists to Jamaica,” noted Bartlett.

“I want to reassure our visitors from the UK, that Jamaica is a very safe destination. Our Tourism Resilient Corridors have been very effective and have seen a very low infection rate. Our top priority was and still is instilling traveller confidence. We want our travellers to feel safe and confident in visiting us and to also have a memorable experience,” he added.

TUI is the world’s leading tourism group. The broad portfolio gathered under the Group’s umbrella consists of strong tour operators, some 1,600 travel agencies and leading online portals, five airlines with around 150 aircraft, approximately 400 hotels, about 15 cruise liners and many incoming agencies in all major holiday destinations across the globe. It covers the entire tourism value chain under one roof.

KINGSTON; Jamaica; October 7, 2021: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has underscored that increased global access to COVID-19 vaccines is the key to a broad-based tourism and global economic resurgence. This, as he lamented the negative impact of vaccine inequity, which he says could hamper global recovery.

“There will be no broad-based recovery without an end to the health crisis. Access to vaccines is key to both. Regrettably, at this stage in the pandemic, vaccine inequity persists where even with over 6 billion doses of vaccines distributed, the majority of these are in high income countries whereas the poorest countries have less than 1% of their population vaccinated. We agree that equitable global vaccination is not only a moral imperative but also presents long term economic sense,” said the Minister.

The Minister made this statement yesterday (October 6), during the virtual staging of the Organization of American States' (OAS) Twenty-Fifth Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High-Level Tourism Authorities. It brought together top tourist officials, as well as representatives from the commercial sector, academia, and civil society, to examine strategies for mitigating COVID-19's negative effects on tourism, as well as tourism post-COVID-19.

During his remarks, he encouraged the leaders of developed countries to share vaccines with lower income nations, noting that, international coordination and cooperation are key to ensuring an effective global vaccination programme.

“Given the characteristic of a pandemic, and COVID-19, in particular, there can be no sustained nor sustainable global tourism where lower income countries are left behind. This is the premise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - lest we forget. In this regard, we welcome and are grateful for gifts of vaccines from our developed partners and we would stress that these should be timely and effective gifts, with consideration for the expiry dates of vaccines,” he said.

During the session ministers and high-level authorities of tourism had the opportunity to exchange ideas and review policy related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel and tourism sectors and identify concrete areas for cooperation among member states to promote its rebuilding and recovery following the pandemic.

Minister Bartlett is currently the Chair of the high-level OAS Working Group, which is developing an action plan, for the recovery of the cruise and airline industries.

The working group is one of four, which were announced during the second special session of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Tourism (CITUR) held on August 14, 2020, to facilitate the effective and timely recovery of the travel and tourism sectors.

Toronto, Canada; October 4, 2021:  Senior Executives of Canada’s largest airlines have confirmed with Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and his senior officials a combined total of over 50 nonstop flights per week between Canada and Jamaica starting November 1, as Jamaica’s second largest market for tourists steadily rebounds after over a year and a half in the doldrums due to the COVID-19 pandemic and stringent Canadian government-imposed travel restrictions. The flights will be operated by Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, Swoop and Transat with nonstop services from the Canadian cities of Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Edmonton, St. John, Ottawa, Moncton and Halifax.

Bartlett noted that the Canadian market currently has, “forward bookings hovering around 65% of 2019 levels and airlift for the winter season at around 82% of 2019 levels with around 260,000 seats locked in. This is positive news as Canada has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 related travel restrictions, which for several months literally shut down international travel. Now with more than 80% of eligible Canadians over the age of 12 fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and a relative easing of international travel restrictions, we are cautiously optimistic. They are also excited by the fact that Jamaica’s Resilient Corridors, where most tourists vacation, are safe with relatively high vaccination rates and near zero infection rates.”

Bartlett was joined in the series of engagements with travel industry leaders in Toronto, Canada by the Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), John Lynch; Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Senior Strategist in the Tourism Ministry, Delano Seiveright and JTB’s Regional Director for Canada, Angella Bennett. The high-level engagements follow similar meetings with leaders of major Airlines, Cruise Lines, and Investors, across Jamaica’s largest source market, the United States. This is being done to increase arrivals to the destination in the coming weeks and months, as well as, to foster further investment in the local tourism sector.

As is the case for everyone over the age of 12 travelling to Jamaica, Canadians must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.

Meanwhile, in noting the critical importance of tourism to Jamaica’s economic recovery, Bartlett underscored that, “the industry plays a pivotal role in Jamaica’s post-pandemic recovery and for good reason. There is no better industry to drive the inclusive, shrewd and sustainable economic growth needed to move the country forward. There is no better industry to increase revenue, restore jobs and generate new opportunities in communities across Jamaica.”

Mr. Seiveright went on to summarize some of the challenges faced. He highlighted that: “The engagements across the United States and Canada brought to the fore a range of issues that Minister Bartlett will be troubleshooting with his Ministerial colleagues so as to mitigate obstacles to accelerated and sustained growth in the coming weeks and months. Among the issues on Jamaica's end are the need to significantly step-up vaccination efforts, sort through public health logistics for cruise lines and other improvements to assure seamlessness for our key partners. Beyond that there are some obstacles and difficulties that are completely outside our control including Canada’s very stringent COVID-19 travel rules, which include the need for a PCR test in order to enter the country and logistics and itinerary challenges for Cruise lines.”

CRUISE LINE EAGER TO EMPLOY THOUSANDS OF JAMAICANS

Miami, Florida, USA; September 30, 2021: Royal Caribbean International, the second largest cruise line in the world, through their senior leadership team informed Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett in Miami, Florida this week that they will resume limited operations to Jamaica in November of this year. The senior executives added that once a number of logistical matters – some of which are outside Jamaica’s remit - are effectively resolved they will be in a position to significantly boost cruises to Jamaica, bringing in tens of thousands of fully vaccinated cruise visitors. The Senior Executives also reiterated their very strong desire to employ thousands of Jamaicans across a wide range of job functions and are awaiting government’s regulatory amendments to make it a reality.

In response Minister Bartlett expressed delight that, “Royal Caribbean will recommence sailings to Jamaica after the over a year and half hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have a few pressing matters to resolve forthwith so that they can boost cruises to Jamaica and in return boost economic and social livelihoods of thousands of Jamaicans who depend directly and indirectly on the cruise industry. Beyond that the government will move speedily in facilitating the cruise line’s efforts to employ thousands of Jamaicans, for what are truly exciting job opportunities that will have a positive impact for many. Our people are in demand and the cruise lines are fully cognizant of this.”

The new developments come following another meeting led by Minister Bartlett and his team with Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation, the largest Cruise company in the world, Arnold Donald and other senior company executives in Miami where they informed of plans for 110 or more cruises with more than 200,000 fully vaccinated visitors for Jamaica over the next few months. The target is subject to continued close collaboration between Jamaican authorities and Carnival on logistics.

Bartlett was joined by the Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, John Lynch; Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Senior Strategist in the Tourism Ministry, Delano Seiveright and Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas, Donnie Dawson. The Royal Caribbean International engagement is one of a series of meetings with several travel industry leaders, including major Airlines and Investors, across Jamaica’s largest source markets, the United States and Canada. This is being done to drive increased arrivals to the destination in the coming weeks and months, as well as, to cement further investment in the local tourism sector.

The cruise industry was among the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, shutting the industry down for over a year. However, with the most robust health and safety protocols in the global travel industry, including fully vaccinated passengers and crews, the industry has slowly resumed operations to multiple destinations including Jamaica.

Miami, Florida, USA; September 29, 2021:  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise line, has committed to sending 110 or more cruises, by its various brands, to the island between October 2021 and April 2022. The agreement is contingent on Jamaican authorities and Carnival continuing to work closely on logistics and public health issues.

This was announced by Arnold Donald, the CEO of Carnival Corporation, during a meeting on Tuesday (September 28, 2021) with Minister Bartlett, local tourism officials, as well as other senior Carnival Corporation executives.

“Carnival is a critical partner for Jamaica’s tourism and wider economic recovery. We are seeing a welcome return of vessels with the recognition that Jamaica’s Resilient Corridors offer a safe environment for our visitors, tourism workers and the general population,” expressed Minister Bartlett.

The announcement comes despite slowing global travel demand triggered by the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 and associated issues.

The meeting with Carnival forms part of a series of engagements with travel industry professionals in Jamaica's key source markets, the United States and Canada, including major airlines and investors. This is being done to encourage more people to visit the destination in the coming weeks and months, as well as to encourage further investment in the local tourism industry.

Bartlett was joined by the Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), John Lynch; Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Senior Strategist in the Tourism Ministry, Delano Seiveright and Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas, Donnie Dawson.

The cruise sector was one of the worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced it to close for more than a year. However, the sector has progressively resumed operations to several destinations, including Jamaica, thanks to extremely stringent health and safety measures, such as fully vaccinated passengers and staff.

“With the return of stopover visitor arrivals since June 2020, we have been seeing steady growth towards pre-COVID-19 levels and now that cruise is back, we are looking forward to significant growth in our numbers. All requirements have been put in place to meet both United States and Jamaica’s COVID-19 protocols in addition to passengers being limited to moving within the Resilient Corridors,” Minister Bartlett noted.

“I must underscore that the cruises have to meet strict measures governing the restart of cruise shipping, requiring passengers over the age of 12 and crew to be fully vaccinated and for all passengers to provide evidence of negative results from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of sailing. In the case of unvaccinated passengers, such as children, a PCR test is mandated, and all passengers are also screened and tested (antigen) on embarkation,” Minister Bartlett stressed. 

Dallas, Texas, USA; September 24, 2021:  Executives of the world’s largest airline - American Airlines - told Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and other senior Jamaican tourism officials in a meeting Thursday at their global headquarters in Dallas, Texas that the island nation will by December see as much as 17 nonstop flights per day, as demand for the destination rises.

They also pointed out that Jamaica topped the Caribbean among consumers on their expansive American Airlines Vacations platform and confirmed that they will be utilising their new, large, wide-bodied Boeing 787 planes, on several key routes to Jamaica starting November.

Bartlett was joined by the Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Senior Strategist in the Tourism Ministry, Delano Seiveright and Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas, Donnie Dawson. They, along with Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Chairman, John Lynch, are holding a series of meetings with a number of travel industry leaders across Jamaica’s largest source markets, the United States and Canada. This is being done to increase arrivals to the destination in the coming weeks and months, as well as, to foster further investment in the local tourism sector.

The welcome news comes despite slowing global travel demand triggered by the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

In welcome news to Kingston travellers, the airline noted that they will increase the number of daily flights between Kingston and Miami from the current position of one to three by December and also offer three nonstop flights per week between Philadelphia and Kingston.

The airlines offer nonstop services between Jamaica and the US cities of Miami, Philadelphia, New York JFK, Dallas, Charlotte, Chicago and Boston.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 23, 2021: The Ministry of Tourism, its public bodies and tourism partners, including the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), will be highlighting the important role tourism plays in fostering inclusion and economic growth as they observe Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2021.

This year’s observance will incorporate World Tourism Day, which is marked annually on September 27 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and destinations across the globe. The day will be observed under the theme “Tourism for Inclusive Growth,” which will also serve as the theme for TAW 2021, slated to run from September 26 to October 2.

It will be a celebration of tourism’s ability to drive inclusive development while generating opportunities for many millions across the globe.

According to the UNWTO: “This is an opportunity to look  beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person…To celebrate tourism’s unique ability to ensure that nobody is left behind as the world begins to open up again and look to the future.”

The week will commence with a virtual church service on Sunday, September 26. Throughout the week, the Ministry and its public bodies will utilize the print and electronic media to highlight several of their initiatives that foster inclusive growth. Other activities include, a virtual expo on September 27; virtual concert on October 1; and a youth video competition.

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett notes the importance of the theme, and shared that his Ministry’s goal, “has always been to create a tourism product where the vast benefits are distributed fairly across society.” He underscored that: “Tourism is as much about the farmer, craft vendor, entertainer, and transportation provider as it is about the hotelier, restauranteur, and attraction operator.”

“Tourism is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries and is a major source of income for many countries. In Jamaica, tourism is our bread and butter. Tourism is the engine of our economy. It creates jobs, attracts foreign investment, drives the development of critical infrastructure, and promotes trade across multiple sectors. More importantly, it promotes inclusive economic growth and social mobility,” he added.

Though the growth of the sector has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hampered global economic activities, Bartlett has stressed that sustainability and inclusivity are crucial to the recovery process.

“The silver lining is that the COVID-19 crisis has provided the opportunity for us to reimagine and rebuild this resilient industry to better achieve this mandate. Sustainability and inclusivity are integral to the recovery process.  Therefore, as we seize the opportunities in the crisis, we are implementing strategic measures to rebuild a product that is safe, equitable and generates economic opportunities for average Jamaicans,” he said.