KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 19, 2021:  Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett has announced that the Jamaica Tourist Board with the assistance of local stakeholders will be offering Japanese Olympic volunteer, Tijana Kawashima Stojkovic and a guest of her choosing, a special all-expense paid trip to Jamaica.  The trip, which spans four parishes, will include visits to attractions as well as stays at five luxury hotels.

The invitation was extended to Stojkovic as a token of appreciation for assisting Jamaican Hurdler and Olympic Gold Medallist, Hansle Parchment, to get to the Olympics Stadium for his semi-final race, after he took the wrong bus on his way to the venue.

The announcement was made last evening (August 18) during a virtual ceremony jointly hosted by the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Embassy of Jamaica in Japan.

“It gives me great pleasure to invite you and a guest on an all-expense paid trip to Jamaica to experience why we are the ‘Heartbeat of the World’. You will be treated to a Diamond Club butler service presidential suite at the Royalton in Negril, and the scenic views and excellent service of the Half Moon and Iberostar hotels in Montego Bay,” Minister Bartlett said.

“Your vacation will take you and your guest to Moon Palace in Ocho Rios, and you will feel the pulse of Kingston at the AC Marriott hotel. It doesn't end there, because you will also enjoy a full destination experience, that will take you on a journey that showcases our gastronomical delights and wonderful culture among many, many other things,” he added.

Stojkovic gave Parchment 10,000 yen (just over US$90) to pay for transportation to the Olympics Stadium in Tokyo on Tuesday, July 3 for his semi-final race, after he accidentally took the wrong Shuttle Bus provided by the event organizers. As a result of her selfless assistance, Parchment was able to make it to the stadium in time and placed second in his semi-final and later won the gold medal in the finals.

“I just want to thank you again and to say how grateful I am for the assistance you gave me at the Olympics and how it allowed me to win the gold medal. I made a story [on social media] and shared it with my family, friends, and supporters. They all got to see the wonderful and kind heart that you have…We look forward to you visiting our beautiful island of Jamaica, so that you can come over and have a wonderful time with your family,” said Parchment.

Stojkovic expressed gratitude for the invitation and said, “I am very pleased about this... I just did what I can to help and now I am so happy for this.”

“Tijana’s decision to be selfless and assist a stranger is the epitome of what is best about humanity Her act of kindness reverberated across the globe and reminded us that there is so much more that is right in the world today… This act of kindness represents the best of the hospitality of the Japanese people and all Jamaicans are grateful to her,” Bartlett expressed.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 19, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has named a special task force to drive the process of vaccinating the island’s tourism workers, as part of efforts by the government to achieve herd immunity.

The new task force is co-chaired by the Tourism Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Griffith and President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Clifton Reader.

The other members include Chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Ian Dear; Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, John Lynch; Director of Tourism, Donovan White; President & CEO, the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), Professor Gordon Shirley; Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations Ltd (JAMVAC), Joy Roberts; Acting Executive Director, TPDCo, Stephen Edwards; Executive Director of Chukka Caribbean Adventures and Chairman of the COVID-19 resilient corridors management team, John Byles; Senior Advisor and Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright; and General Manager of Deja Resorts, Robin Russell.

"The task force will also include representatives from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Jamaica Defence Force and they will consult with various tourism stakeholders, both within the public and private sectors, to streamline and expedite the process of vaccinating tourism workers all across the island," explained Minister Bartlett.

In making the announcement Minister Bartlett underscored that the future success of the island’s tourism sector hinges on workers being vaccinated in order to stem the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Among the persons to be targeted are workers in hotels, villas and guest houses, attractions, airports, cruise ports, craft markets as well as ground transportation operators.     

"This task force has a very important job of getting our 170,000 tourism workers vaccinated. This is vital to the full recovery of the tourism sector and by extension the wider economy, because our tourism workers are on the frontline and if they are not fully vaccinated then our sector will not be able to recover in a safe and sustainable way,” he expressed. 

The Minister was quick to note that tourism workers will not be mandated to be vaccinated. However, he again urged them to get vaccinated. “The vaccines are very effective in preventing hospitalization and death. So, I encourage all our tourism workers to capitalize on the opportunity to be vaccinated in order to safeguard your lives, your relatives as well as your communities,” Minister Bartlett expressed.

Mr. Bartlett emphasized that the Task Force will take a collaborative approach, which has proven to be very effective in managing the pandemic since March 2020, when the first COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Jamaica.

“I am confident that this united approach will be effective because it has been fundamental to our success in introducing our COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols, our innovative COVID-Resilient Corridors and the framework to facilitate the testing of visitors to the island. We will continue to work hand in hand with our tourism partners to guarantee the recovery of our all-important tourism sector,” he added. 

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 17, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says safeguarding the health and safety of the citizens of Jamaica, as well as visitors, remains the top priority as the island welcomed the successful return of cruise operations yesterday (August 16).

Speaking following the visit of the Carnival Sunrise to the Ocho Rios Cruise Shipping Port, Minister Bartlett said he notes the concerns shared in the media about the restricted movement of the visitors who disembarked the vessel. However, Mr. Bartlett underscores that “this decision was taken after consultation with various stakeholders and most importantly, was done to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols instituted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other international partners for the safe return to cruise operations.”  

He highlighted that due to the risks posed by COVID-19, steps were taken to manage the movement of cruise passengers, which means changes had to be made to the customary routine operations, in order to reduce risk. He noted that these changes were communicated to tourism stakeholders.

Scheduled visits were available for passengers to attractions certified by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) as being COVID-19 compliant and visitors were taken to these attractions by local contract carriage operators from Ocho Rios.

“In accordance with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines and international protocols for the safe return to cruise operations, a decision was made to include only attractions that were certified to be sold by Carnival Cruise lines with the exception that each contract carriage operator had to stop at one of the three craft markets namely: Ocho Rios, Pineapple and Old Market,” Minister Bartlett explained.

He noted that because of their size members of the Coconut Grove Market were allowed to participate in the port market to showcase their products at the Ocho Rios cruise port­. The decision to stop at the craft markets, before going to the certified attractions, was approved by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, as well as the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

“Therefore no freelancing was allowed by ground transport operators or vendors due to strict COVID-19 protocols. This is in keeping with international guidelines and if we do not follow them then we put our citizens and visitors at risk and the cruise lines will not visit our destination,” the Minister added.   

“As we continue our battle with COVID-19, we had to make a decision to have controlled movement, while ensuring that Jamaicans operating small, medium and large enterprises could enjoy the economic benefits from the return of cruise. We also met with a number of stakeholders including ground transportation operators and attractions, to ensure that they would be aware of the restrictions involved to ensure the safety of our people as well as our visitors,” Mr. Bartlett said.

Ahead of the arrival of the cruise ship on Monday, the Ministry of Tourism, represented by members of TPDCo and the Jamaica Vacations Ltd (JAMVAC), hosted a meeting with the management of the three leading contract carriage operators in the area, to sensitize them of the health and safety guidelines.

 “We hosted a meeting on Thursday August 12^th, with the presidents of the contract carriage companies and advised them of the guidelines and of the importance of them following the protocols. An agreement was made for them to meet and get back to the Ministry with a detailed list of the attractions each bus would transport the visitors to, the service price and the buses. This information was sent to us the following day,” said Executive Director of JAMVAC, Joy Roberts.

The controlled dispatch system was then implemented on Monday as planned and agreed on by all parties.

The 3,000 passengers and crew of Carnival Sunrise had to meet strict measures governing the restart of cruise shipping, requiring approximately 95% 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 was mandated, and all passengers were also screened and tested (antigen) on disembarkation. 

Also, the port of call has met protocols laid down by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the cruise companies, with TPDCo also monitoring conformity to the rules.

OCHO RIOS, Jamaica; August 17, 2021: “It’s totally awesome, been waiting two years for this,” admitted Terry Davis as he perused the Jamaican landscape with his partner, Katy Peale who added: “It’s just wonderful to be out, to travel, to see beautiful places again, be together with friends and family; have fun.”

The couple were on their first cruise to Jamaica and enjoying the scenery after disembarking the Carnival Sunrise at Berth 1 of the Ocho Rios Cruise Shipping Port. It was the first cruise vessel to be calling at a local port in 17 months since the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

With them were the first couple to set foot on Jamaican soil as part of their Caribbean cruise, starting in Miami. Donna and Anthony Pioli of Miami were very specific about what they wanted most during their time ashore in Ocho Rios, having been to Montego Bay previously. After a 17-month wait, Anthony was looking forward to “the best coffee in the world, Blue Mountain” while for Donna, “I’m looking for some rum punch.”

The exhilaration was shared by Carnival Sunrise’s Captain Isidoro Renda. “Myself, all the crew and the entire Carnival Cruise Line, we are so happy to restart and to have our first call in Jamaica,” he said, pointing to “a very long relationship with Jamaica and Ocho Rios, so we’re extremely happy and pleased to be here.”

Ocho Rios is among the Sunrise’s main ports after 17 months “and we’re going to come here very often,” he shared, calculating the schedule to be “at least three times per month.”

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett was at the port for the occasion and for him: “The return of cruise at this time signals the second critical phase of the reopening of the tourism industry and will aid greatly in bringing back jobs to the industry.”

With Carnival’s schedule of some 16 calls over the next three months and MSC, Royal Caribbean, Disney and other cruise lines preparing for resumption of sailing the Caribbean Sea: “We are going to have cruise back on track by December with pretty much the full fleet,” said Mr. Bartlett. He has projected just under 300,000 cruise passengers to Jamaica by end of year, by which time the Montego Bay and Falmouth ports will also be reactivated with hopes of having calls also at Port Royal and Port Antonio.

On the matter of adhering to COVID-19 protocols, Minister Bartlett said given the stipulations of the respective local and international public health agencies: “It has been a very long and difficult process of building out protocols, changing and making adjustments, trying to respond to variations of the virus itself and its mutations, and then to deal with attitude, behaviour and mindset.”

The 3,000 passengers and crew of Carnival Sunrise had to meet strict measures governing the restart of cruise shipping, requiring approximately 95% 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 disembarkation.

Also, the port of call has met protocols laid down by the Ministry of Health and the cruise companies, with the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) also monitoring conformity to the rules.

Jamaica was rated highly for having lived up to expectations. “I’d really like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Tourism the Port Authority of Jamaica, and most definitely the Ministry of Health; your entire health team has been very engaged in the process to get the ship here today and it’s beyond our expectations,” said Marie McKenzie, Carnival’s Vice President of Global Ports and Caribbean Government Relations. Ms. McKenzie, who is Jamaican, has responsibility for 27 countries in the region, and has been working with local officials on the restarting process for Carnival.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; August 16, 2021: It was a tear-jerking surprise for one JetBlue passenger and her family as Jamaica’s tourism industry marked a significant milestone of welcoming one million stopover visitors in just 13 months, in the midst of a pandemic.

Daynel Williams, accompanied by four family members, exuded abundant joy as she was ushered out of the line of arriving passengers on JetBlue from New York yesterday (August 15), to be met by a team of officials, headed by Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. She was showered with gifts and heartfelt congratulations on being the millionth visitor since Jamaica reopened its borders to international air travel on June 15, 2020. All borders were closed in March 2020, cutting off all arrivals as the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19, began to take its toll.

Cuddling a baby in her arms while an infant held onto her dress, Mrs. Williams was almost speechless but managed to repeat “Oh God!” as she tried to contain her joy as Minister Bartlett told her that as the millionth stopover visitor, she was now the centre of international attention, facing several media representatives jostling to get close up shots of her and her family.

Her mother-in-law, Jennifer Williams, a Jamaican from Oracabessa, St Mary, was overwhelmed with joy as she was moved to tears. “I’ve been travelling back and forth to Jamaica for over 30 years now and this has never happened; I am so excited, I feel like crying.” She did allow a few tears of joy to flow while adding, “I’m so elated, I’m very, very happy. I can’t express how I feel.”

Among the welcome gifts was a voucher, valid for one year, entitling the entire family to a 4-day 3-night all-inclusive vacation at Royalton, presented by Regional Director of Sales for Blue Diamond Resorts International, Kerry-Ann Quallo Casserly.

Speaking to the significance of the occasion, Minister Bartlett said: “This is a milestone in the tourism annals, never before, within a year and one month have we ever had one million stopover visitors coming to our country.” Prior to COVID-19 it took Jamaica close to 20 years to record its first million arrivals in a year. However, up to 2019, just before the pandemic hit, stopover and cruise arrivals combined, exceeded 4 million.

Since the reopening of borders on June 15, last year, tourism has earned US$1.5 billion and just over 50,000 of the 130,000 workers who were laid off, are now back on the job. The Sangster International Airport alone has accounted for 5,000 of its 7,000 jobs being restored.

Mr. Bartlett said in the last quarter, “tourism increased by 5,000 percent in arrivals” and earnings also increased significantly, “so we have no doubt as to the impact of tourism on Jamaica’s economic recovery programme.”

Among the welcome party along with Minster Bartlett and Mrs. Casserly, were Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association President, Clifton Reader; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MBJ Airports, Shane Munroe and President and CEO of the Airports Authority of Jamaica, Audley Deidrick.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 13, 2021: Cruise operations will resume in Jamaica on Monday, August 16th, 2021. The Carnival Sunrise is scheduled to call at the Port of Ocho Rios and is the first cruise ship with international passengers to call at a Jamaican port since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will mark a major step in the phased reopening of Jamaica’s tourism sector, which has been adversely impacted by the global pandemic.

“I am very pleased to advise that Jamaica will finally see the return of cruise on Monday August 16th. We welcome this resumption as we know that thousands of Jamaicans depend on the cruise shipping industry for their livelihood, and it will have a positive impact on our economy in general,” said Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

“I want to assure the public that this call is being managed in accordance with strict health and safety COVID-19 protocols which are guided by global standards and best practices to ensure the safety and protection of our citizens as well as visitors.   Additionally, the vessel is being managed in alignment with the Conditional Sailing Order for Simulated and Restricted Voyages promulgated by the US Center for Disease Control (CDC). The arrival of the Carnival Sunrise on Monday marks a significant milestone in recovery efforts and the resumption of cruise operations, which was suspended in light of the pandemic,” he added.

“Under the strict measures governing the restart of cruise shipping approximately 95% of the crew and passengers are fully vaccinated and all passengers are required to provide evidence of negative results from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of sailing,” Minister Bartlett explained. It was also outlined that in the case of unvaccinated passengers, a PCR test is mandated, and all passengers will also be screened and tested (antigen) on disembarkation.

While on board, the crew will also be required to adhere to strict protocols mandated by the official framework for Conditional Sailing Order. This requires that preventative measures be taken, and surveillance and response mechanisms be present on board at all times.

Professor Gordon Shirley, President & CEO, the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), indicated that “the call by Carnival Sunrise is a representation of months of consistent collaboration and dialogue with our cruise line partners and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW). These stakeholders provided tremendous support and guidance to assist the PAJ with realigning operations with global standards considering the new COVID-19 operational paradigm.  In preparation for the resumption of cruise shipping operations in Jamaica, we have upgraded all our port facilities in accordance with guidelines and COVID-19 protocols and all our ports are retrofitted with isolation rooms and sanitation facilities.” 

He added that: “We have worked very closely with the MoHW over the past year and having heeded their advice, followed the science, so the PAJ is confident in our ability to provide our usual award winning cruise passenger experience in a safe and secure environment, despite the challenges of COVID-19. We are truly grateful to the MoHW and our cruise partners for their unwavering support during testing times and look forward to the resumption of our cruise sector as we are cognizant of the significant positive impact the industry has on other businesses and the Jamaican economy in general.”

“We are delighted to be the first cruise ship to return to Jamaica and to offer guests an opportunity to experience all of the country’s beauty,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. “On behalf of Carnival, I would like to personally thank the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and our partners for working with us to bring safe cruising back to Jamaica,” she added.

Passengers will be allowed to disembark the vessel to participate in tours within the COVID-19 Resilient Corridors, which have been in place for stop-over visitors with a demonstrated record of performance for over a year. The positivity rate within the corridors is at 0.6 percent.

The corridors are jointly monitored by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Transport and Mining.

“The Government of Jamaica has been in discussion with several cruise lines, and relevant stakeholders, regarding an efficient restart of cruise operations whilst observing health and safety protocols. We are therefore very happy that this is finally a reality.  I commend the efforts of all the stakeholders including the PAJ, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC) for their contribution to ensuring a safe and secure resumption of cruise operations in Jamaica,” said Minister Bartlett. 

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 10, 2021: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has issued an impassioned appeal to unvaccinated tourism workers, including those in sub-sectors related to cruise shipping, to get vaccinated.

“Tourism workers must always remember that they are valuable frontline workers who have a critical role to play in restoring the national economy and their own state of well-being. They must therefore play their part in helping to overcome the current setback created by the COVID-19 pandemic by taking the vaccine,” said Mr. Bartlett.

His appeal comes against the background of efforts to boost vaccination levels locally and the heightened expectation of the return of cruise shipping to Jamaican ports in a matter of weeks.

“Cruise shipping is an integral part of our tourism product and an important driver in terms of visitor arrivals and expenditure. Thousands of Jamaicans depend on the cruise shipping industry, and we look forward to its return,” noted Minister Bartlett.

He said although cruise activities at Jamaica’s ports have been dormant for the past year and a half, “we continue to invest in the development of cruise tourism, which is critical to the recovery of the tourism sector.  JAMVAC (Jamaica vacations Ltd.) has been driving this effort as we pivot in this crisis to take advantage of a new collaborative approach that will bring greater value for passengers, cruise lines and Destination Jamaica.”

Mr. Bartlett said cruise lines remained eager to resume trips to Jamaica but must abide by stipulated guidelines, which call for everyone in the sector to adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols, while creating an environment that facilitates high levels of vaccinated workers. He said several countries are lifting their ban on cruise shipping and with cruise lines anxious to recover lost ground, the ports of call that are fully prepared for their visits will be more attractive. He also stressed that under the current guidelines almost every cruise passenger and worker will be fully vaccinated.

“We have been credited for our proactive approach in developing protocols for the tourism industry as well as our resilient corridors and these have enabled the reopening of the tourism sector with a positivity rate of less than 1.0 percent; it is now time for the cruise subsector to also play its part as we follow a strategic path in reimagining the tourism sector to rebuild faster, stronger and better,” he said.

Minister Bartlett outlined that the Ministry of Tourism will be working relentlessly, particularly in partnership with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), the Ministries of Health and Local Government in a bid to facilitate the vaccination of tourism workers across the island.

Negril, Westmoreland; Saturday July 31, 2021… The New Negril Mini Stadium is being championed as a facilitator of social, human and community development, as its amenities are envisaged to improve the skills and talents of local community members. The creation of the 83-million-dollar stadium was executed by the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) with funding from Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).

Speaking at the ribbon cutting yesterday (Friday July 30, 2021), Minister of Tourism Honourable Edmund Bartlett underscored the importance of facilities such as these, not only for the tourism sector’s benefit, but also for social enrichment, which is necessary for the build out of the tourism industry.

“Tourism is not only a driver of economic growth, but also a facilitator of growth and development of our local communities. This facility goes beyond the building and will help to build the capacity of our people and develop their strengths, talents, and athletic prowess.”

Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western Morland Wilson was elated for his constituency to receive a facility geared at the improvement of the community. He also encouraged regular use, as well as care of the facility, which is intended to greatly benefit the residents.

“Jamaica is a country deeply invested in sporting culture; it is deeply embedded in our DNA. Our new mini stadium will make an important contribution to Negril and will provide an opportunity for sports, teaching, and other recreational activities.”

Acting Executive Director of TPDCo Stephen Edwards was also present to share on the importance and benefits of the new mini stadium

“We (TPDCo) have realized how beneficial it can be to have a space to learn, to grow and to find oneself. In due time, many activities will be hosted here, and allow for a mingling of locals and visitors alike. All of which will benefit the communities and the entire resort town.”

The mini stadium features a perimeter wall and gates, restrooms/changing rooms, covered stands, a parking lot, external lighting, refurbishing of an existing multipurpose court and hardscaping, realignment and rehabilitation of the football field and irrigation.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 30, 2021: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett is encouraging players in the financial sector to explore the many investment opportunities available in the tourism industry to spur growth in the sector, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He stated that the multi-dimensional nature of Jamaica’s tourism sector offers countless opportunities for investment, in areas such as accommodation, human capital development, attractions, travel technology, agro-tourism, green projects, nutraceuticals, manufacturing and supporting infrastructure that improves the visitor experience.

Bartlett made these remarks yesterday during a meeting with members of the Caribbean Alternative Investment Association (CARAIA), at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston.

“Investment will play a critical role in building out this new look tourism product, as it provides the funds necessary to construct and upgrade tourism projects essential to the development and growth of tourism capacity. The  success  of   any  tourist  destination  is  dependent  to  a  large degree on the nature of  the facilities and service infrastructure available to visitors,” said the Minister.

During his presentation the Minister also highlighted the findings of a recently conducted Tourism Demand Study, which found that there is a vast untapped market for high quality, fresh produce, which is essential to hotels, restaurants and attractions.

Specifically, it states that the estimated total value of demand for agricultural products in the tourism sector is JA$39.6 billion. Food items in the poultry, meats and seafood category alone account for 75% of this total value, while fruits accounted for another 10%.

According to the findings of the study, based on the value of expenditure on the importation of certain items, there were excellent opportunities for increased linkages with local producers. These items included products such as bed frames and headboards, chairs, pillows, sanitizers, standing lamps, toothpaste, towels, cantaloupe, iceberg lettuce, Irish potatoes, red jumbo onions, rice, and sweet corn.

The annual leakage due to imports was estimated to be J$65.4 billion in the manufacturing sector and between J$1.6 billion and J$5.0 billion in the agricultural sector.

The Minister also used the opportunity to highlight that despite the impact of the pandemic, the investment climate remains positive with 90% of the planned investments on target; in the year since the reopening of Jamaica’s borders (June 2020 to June 2021) the country welcomed over 837,000 stopover visitors with arrivals increasing an average of 20% each month since reopening; and many of our 170,000 directly employed tourism workers are now back on the job.

According to the data received: “189,001 Stopover visitors are expected for July 2021; Cruise arrivals are to resume in August 2021; For January to December 2021, it is projected that Jamaica will receive 1.7 million visitors; and For January to December 2021, the estimated Foreign Exchange Earnings is US$2.0 billion,” the Minister explained.

Looking further afield to 2022, Jamaica is projected to welcome 3.2 million visitors while earning US$2.7 billion in revenue. Also, by 2023 it is projected that Jamaica will welcome 3.7 million visitors and earn US$3.5 billion in revenue. By 2024 it is anticipated that the island will be back on track for 4.2 million visitors and US$4.0 billion in tourism revenue.

“Investment in tourism offers one of the best opportunities for Jamaica to recover and strengthen its economy…CARAIA  can be a strong voice as we seek to promote, attract and facilitate productive investment in Jamaica’s tourism industry and in doing so,  place us more effectively on the world’s alternative investment stage,” said Mr. Bartlett.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 29, 2021:  Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett says that since the pandemic began, travel and tourism enterprises across the world have been leveraging Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) to enhance a plethora of services.  He notes that the trend towards a digital marketplace in the tourism sector is poised to intensify post-COVID-19. 

The Minister made this announcement yesterday during the 36th Annual CANTO Conference and Trade Exhibition.

“The pandemic has taught us that organizations that fail to successfully incorporate digital technologies into their business models will likely fail in their quest to ensure adaptability, agility and competitiveness in the post-COVID-19 era. The ability of players in the global tourism sector to adapt to the impact of the pandemic has been undoubtedly aided by digital technologies,” said Bartlett.

“Overall, the trend towards a digital marketplace in the tourism sector is also poised to intensify post-COVID-19,” he added.

He projects that based on this trend, most travel and tourism-related business, including destination research, booking, and paying for experiences during a vacation, will be done virtually.  

“The trend thus instructs all tourism enterprises, micro, small, medium-sized and large, to find ways to embrace digital technologies, and develop their digital architectures or face the risk of being left behind,” said Mr. Bartlett.

The Minister shared that data he received shows that since the pandemic began, travel and tourism enterprises across the world have been leveraging ICTs to improve almost all areas of the hospitality industry, such as guest services, reservations, food and beverage management, sales, food service catering, maintenance, security, and hospitality accounting.

Businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry have rolled out several information-based digital innovations to facilitate service delivery in a quick, convenient, and safe manner.

These include the use of mobile apps to enable customers to book reservations, check-in, order and pay for services using their devices; the use of a digital workforce, including chatbots that provide pre-determined answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and live chat with on-property staff and the use of digital keys through in-app features that enable guests to unlock their hotel rooms by tapping their mobile devices.

“As more tourism enterprises around the world begin to reopen, fewer resources will be available, and a new operating model to minimize contact will need to be considered and deployed.  AI and smart technologies can be leveraged to quickly rewire the current physical interfaces to touch-free, gesture-based, or voice-activated interfaces,” said the Minister.

“Consequently, artificial intelligence will be increasingly used to enhance a plethora of services in the hotel industry including fleet and operations management, disruption management, customer service and retention and autonomous machines and services,” he added.

Held virtually for the first time in thirty-five years, the 36th Annual CANTO Conference and Trade Exhibition, the Caribbean’s premier telecommunications forum; will give delegates from across the globe, the opportunity to connect with each other at this stimulating conference.