Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, November 25, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, yesterday (November 24) departed the island for Manila, the Philippines, to attend the 2024 Gusi Peace Prize International Awards. This prestigious global event honours individuals and organizations for significant contributions to peace, human rights, and global progress. 

Minister Bartlett will be recognized for his transformative work in the global tourism sector, becoming one of the few Jamaican recipients of this esteemed accolade. The Tourism Minister was previously recognized by the Gusi Peace Prize Foundation in 2020.

In expressing his gratitude, Minister Bartlett remarked: “Receiving the Gusi Peace Prize is a humbling and deeply inspiring honour. This recognition belongs not just to me but to the people of Jamaica, whose innovation, resilience, and cultural richness are at the heart of all I do. It highlights how tourism when approached thoughtfully, can transform communities and inspire unity worldwide.”

The Gusi Peace Prize, often likened to Asia’s Nobel Peace Prize, celebrates excellence across diverse fields such as politics, science, medicine, and the arts. It underscores values of Godliness, Unification, Service, and Internationalism. Minister Bartlett’s recognition affirms Jamaica’s growing influence in sustainable tourism, resilience building, and global collaboration. The five-day event will commence tonight, November 25, and will conclude with a farewell dinner on November 28.

Minister Bartlett, a global thought leader in tourism resilience and founder of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, has been pivotal in shaping sustainable practices and disaster recovery frameworks within the industry. His leadership has enhanced Jamaica’s reputation as a hub for innovative tourism strategies, earning accolades from organizations worldwide.

Over the years, the Gusi Peace Prize has celebrated figures dedicated to improving humanity. Minister Bartlett reflected on its legacy, stating: “The Gusi Peace Prize represents a beacon of hope and global collaboration. It amplifies the extraordinary contributions of those working tirelessly to advance peace, dignity, and progress. It is truly a privilege to stand alongside this year’s honourees and continue championing the positive change tourism can bring.”

Minister Bartlett is expected to return to Jamaica on Saturday, November 30.

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, November 13, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island today for Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, to represent Jamaica at the United Nations (UN) Tourism’s 122nd Executive Council Meeting, which will be held from November 13–15, 2024. Jamaica, which proudly holds the position of Second Vice Chair on the UN Tourism Executive Council, will play an instrumental role in shaping the direction of the global tourism agenda. 

With this in mind, Minister Bartlett expressed his optimism about Jamaica’s participation, stating: “As Second Vice Chair, Jamaica is uniquely positioned to contribute to a forward-looking global tourism strategy that emphasizes sustainability and innovation. This meeting will also allow us to further advocate for Caribbean and small-island interests on an international scale, ensuring that tourism continues to be a powerful tool for economic prosperity in our region.”

Minister Bartlett will join other global tourism leaders to discuss pivotal topics regarding sustainable tourism, community development, and investment. This year’s session will feature critical discussions on innovation, sustainable tourism practices, and regional development, including the highly anticipated UN Tourism Global Investment and Innovation Forum.

In addition to the Executive Council sessions, the three-day programme will feature several important events and networking opportunities. Highlights include the “UN Tourism Tech Adventure: Colombia Community Challenge,” the “Best Tourism Villages 2024” awards ceremony, as well as discussions on aligning tourism practices with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The tourism minister further stressed the importance of the event, noting that: “Jamaica’s commitment to sustainable tourism goes beyond our borders, and this event provides an excellent opportunity to share best practices while gaining valuable insights into innovative solutions for our own tourism sector. Together with our neighbours in other destinations across the world, we can bolster the sector’s contribution to global development and resilience.”

Minister Bartlett is scheduled to return to Jamaica on November 15, 2024. 

London, England; Monday, November 5, 2024: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has underscored the need for a stronger and more cohesive tourism strategy across Commonwealth nations to leverage the immense potential for economic and social development. Speaking at the prestigious International Tourism and Investment Conference (ITIC) Global Tourism Investment Summit at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London, England, Minister Bartlett called on Commonwealth countries to join forces in making tourism a transformative driver of inclusive growth.

“The Commonwealth, with its 2.7 billion people across 56 diverse nations, represents one of the most potent platforms for economic collaboration in the world,” said Minister Bartlett. “Not only are we spread across continents—from Africa to the Pacific—but 60% of our population is under 29. This youth demographic represents a powerful force for innovation, adaptability, and growth in tourism,” he noted, emphasizing the dynamic and youthful makeup of Commonwealth citizens.

The ITIC Global Tourism Investment Summit is an annual gathering that brings together key stakeholders, including tourism ministers, industry leaders and potential investors, to discuss investment opportunities in sustainable tourism. Bartlett utilized this platform to spotlight the Commonwealth’s unique ability to use tourism as a means to foster economic resilience and elevate its geopolitical influence on the world stage.

Highlighting the substantial economic landscape of the Commonwealth, Minister Bartlett added, “Our combined GDP reached approximately $14.2 trillion in 2022, with a trajectory toward $20 trillion by 2029. This reflects not only the economic scale but the diversity among member nations, from large economies like India and the UK to our smaller island states.” 

Intra-Commonwealth trade, which reached $854 billion in 2022, is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2026, offering vast potential for growth in sectors such as tourism, food trade, foreign direct investment and services.

Minister Bartlett also advocated for using tourism as a soft power tool to strengthen the Commonwealth’s standing globally. “Tourism not only transfers wealth quickly but does so in a way that directly benefits communities at all levels. When tourists arrive, they contribute immediately to local economies, bringing revenue to ordinary people,” he explained. He encouraged the Commonwealth Secretariat to lead the charge in enhancing visitor facilitation, open skies agreements, visa liberalization and technology integration to boost connectivity among member states.

In his vision, Bartlett spoke passionately about the possibilities for multi-destination tourism within the Commonwealth. “Our member countries have a rich cultural and social diversity that is tailor-made for experiential tourism. Commonwealth travellers can have unique experiences across the Caribbean, Africa and the Pacific without encountering the same setting twice. This type of multi-destination tourism allows regions to come together to create package offerings that provide tourists with diverse experiences in one trip,” he said.

Bartlett further highlighted advancements in aviation as an untapped opportunity to facilitate greater travel within the Commonwealth. “Today’s aviation technology enables larger, fuel-efficient aircraft to cover vast distances in shorter times. This is an exciting moment for the Commonwealth to harness these advancements, making it easier for our citizens to travel across our diverse nations and enjoy the wonders of different cultures,” he added.

In closing, Minister Bartlett called for Commonwealth leaders to recognize tourism as an essential pillar for economic resilience and growth. “His Majesty the King has spoken of a ‘stronger Commonwealth,’ and tourism can play a pivotal role in realizing that vision. By investing in tourism infrastructure, human capital development and collaborative initiatives, we can strengthen our economies and foster deeper connections among our people.”

Minister Bartlett’s remarks at the ITIC Summit reflect Jamaica’s commitment to building partnerships and exploring new avenues for tourism-driven economic growth. The call for Commonwealth unity in tourism signals a progressive approach that seeks to create wealth, sustain cultural heritage, and bring economic prosperity to all member nations.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has continued to advocate for the importance of tourism-dependent destinations owning the supply side of the industry to increase investments and earnings. Speaking at the International Tourism and Investment Conference (ITIC) Global Tourism Investment Summit in London yesterday, the Minister highlighted that owning the supply side has the potential to create favourable conditions for investors and to retain more of the foreign exchange earned locally from the industry.

“Tourism owns nothing yet depends on every other sector and industry to operate, and this is where we can capitalize on increasing the earnings. Our farmers, manufacturers, and creatives can supply the increasing demands within tourism with their goods and services and earn more, leading to a greater retention of the dollar,” said Minister Bartlett.

Minister Bartlett was participating in the summit’s Investment Ministerial Panel under the theme: “The responsibility of governments to develop a strategic plan for an investment-focused tourism agenda of the future.” The panel included Ms. Mariana Oleskiv, Chairperson, State Agency for Tourism Development, Ukraine; Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya; Hon. Vera Kamtukule, Minister of Tourism, Malawi; and Siby Diabira, Senior Manager, Western Europe, International Finance Corporation (IFC).

“Focusing on the supply side can also be used to attract more investment for tourism infrastructure by streamlining processes for potential investors. This approach represents a paradigm shift in how we attract tourism investment. Instead of solely focusing on demand generation through marketing, we can create the conditions that make our region irresistible to strategic investors,” the tourism minister noted.

“To also support greater access to our tourism value chain by retaining more of the foreign exchange earned, we established the Tourism Linkages Network to strengthen the partnership between tourism and other sectors like agriculture and manufacturing to ensure more local production. The more we can provide locally for the demands of tourism, the more we can generate wealth for our local suppliers and communities,” added Minister Bartlett.

The ITIC summit is a highly anticipated annual event on the World Travel Market (WTM) calendar that brings together tourism ministers, industry leaders, and developers from the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors to connect with potential investors. It is a platform to promote global awareness and investment in sustainable tourism projects worldwide.

The Minister is leading a delegation at the 2024 WTM scheduled for November 5-7. WTM London is the most influential travel and tourism event globally. The popular event brings together the international leisure travel community, providing inspiration, education, sourcing, and benchmarking to travel professionals while providing exhibitors a place to do business and showcase their services to the international press.

London, England; Monday, November 4, 2024: Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett has arrived in London to lead Jamaica’s delegation at the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) scheduled for November 5-7. This significant event will bring together global leaders in travel and tourism, providing a powerful platform to advance Jamaica’s tourism objectives, strengthen alliances, and explore new growth opportunities across markets.

“WTM London is a cornerstone event in the global tourism calendar. Our participation underscores Jamaica’s dedication to enhancing its presence not only in the UK and Europe but also in emerging markets around the world. By actively engaging in this forum, we are strengthening Jamaica’s position as a world-class destination and driving our ambitious goals to achieve five million visitors annually and $5 billion in earnings by 2025,” underscored Minister Bartlett. 

Over the three-day event, Minister Bartlett and senior JTB representatives will engage in high-level discussions with tourism executives from TUI Group, World 2 Meet, Virgin Atlantic, and Blue Diamond Resorts, and will participate in a UN Tourism-WTTC Ministers’ Summit on fostering economic growth through tourism.

In light of this, Minister Bartlett emphasized the importance of this year’s participation, stating, “The World Travel Market allows us to deepen our engagement within this market, which remains crucial to our tourism economy. At the same time, we are strategically broadening our appeal to high-potential regions like Latin America and Asia. This diversification is key to making Jamaica’s tourism sector resilient and adaptable in an evolving global environment.”

The tourism minister also noted Jamaica’s tourism sector is currently experiencing steady growth, with projections for 2024 visitor arrivals set to increase by 5.3% over last year, bringing in approximately $US4.35 billion in earnings. 

Minister Bartlett’s itinerary includes key engagements at WTM, a Bloomberg-hosted dinner on the “Business of Travel,” and high-profile media interviews with Reuters and BBC HARDtalk, highlighting Jamaica’s innovations in sustainable tourism and its role as a leader in the Caribbean. A special event highlighting Jamaican culture and cuisine will also be held at the Jamaica Stand, featuring a carnival celebration to engage attendees with the vibrant spirit and culture of the island.

Minister Bartlett is set to return to Jamaica on November 10.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Thursday, October 17, 2024: Underscoring the importance of tourism to Jamaica’s economic life, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon Andrew Holness has announced that strategic steps are being taken to enhance the country’s reputation and brand as a tourist destination.

“A lot is being said about Jamaica, and the messaging about Jamaica can at times be dissonant,” he said, elaborating that, “Jamaica sun, sea and sand, Jamaica no problem, beautiful beaches, but yet you have what I describe as noise in the environment that can take away from that message,” the Prime Minister said.

Addressing a historic mega showcase, dubbed the Sandals Jamaica Love sales event, with some 1,000 travel advisors, company top management and public and private sector stakeholders at the Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC) yesterday (October 17), Prime Minister Holness said: “Whenever that happens it is important that you look not just at what is being said about you, but we need to be very clear about what we are saying about ourselves.”

In addition to sun, sea and sand, he stated that there was a desire for Jamaica to be known for safety; security; sustainability and seamlessness; service and satisfaction. “What we’re trying to do is to add depth to our product, add more dimensions to it, and Jamaica has the raw materials to do it. We have to be very strategic and deliberate in getting it done,” he assured. He felt that “the investments that we’re making in our country are at the point where they will start to yield even greater results than the effort that we’ve put in.”

Stressing the importance of the initiative, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett lauded the travel advisors for making tourism the number one economic activity in Jamaica over the last 30 years, adding that the sector has grown consistently every year at the rate of 3 percent per annum, higher than the gross domestic product (GDP) rate of growth.

Elaborating on the recovery and growth of tourism post-COVID, Minister Bartlett told the travel advisors that global tourism was at a record high in relation to travellers and earnings and that “Jamaica, because of you will make new records too; small increment but it’s important. We’re going to close this year at 4.3 million visitors, the highest in our history, and earn US$4.5 billion.”

He also projected that next year “we will hit our target of 5 million visitors earning US$5 billion for the people of Jamaica” and expressed thanks to the travel advisors “for enabling us to reach that threshold, for enabling us to now have 175,000 direct workers and some 350,000 workers across Jamaica who are connected with tourism indirectly or induced, and that represents 24 percent of the workforce of Jamaica.”

Kingston, Jamaica; Sunday, October 13, 2024: Jamaica’s tourism sector is set for continued expansion as global travel surges toward 1.5 billion travellers by the end of this year, with projections of nearly 3 billion tourists worldwide in the next two decades. Addressing the 63rd Annual General Meeting of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) yesterday (October 12), Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett outlined several strategies aimed at ensuring that Jamaica remains a top destination and continues to experience growth in the competitive global tourism market.

Minister Bartlett urged local tourism partners to be innovative and adaptive to emerging trends, emphasizing that Jamaica must prepare for the rising wave of travellers by building the necessary capacity and offering superior service. “The issue is where these travellers will come from and where they will go. Our challenge is to create the capacity within Jamaica to benefit from this growing activity,” said Minister Bartlett.

He underscored the resilience of the tourism sector, which continues to outpace general economic growth globally, growing at a rate of 3% annually over the past 30 years. “On our shoulders rests the economic fortunes of our country,” he noted, highlighting the vital role of tourism in Jamaica’s economy.

However, the Minister cautioned that Jamaica must stay nimble and innovative in response to the evolving global landscape. “We have to be nimble, adaptive, and responsive to ensure that the growth we had after COVID isn’t erased by the deluge of disruptions that came with the recovery,” Bartlett remarked. He encouraged JHTA members to embrace new business models and leverage emerging technologies to enhance Jamaica’s competitive edge.

As part of his presentation, Minister Bartlett announced a key strategy to expand Jamaica’s tourism market by boosting airlift from South America, starting with LATAM Airlines’ new flights from Peru to Jamaica, commencing on December 1. He also noted that discussions are also ongoing with Azul Airlines to introduce flights from Belem, Brazil, and as well as Avianca regarding other regions in South America including Columbia. Minister Bartlett stressed that expanding airlift is crucial to tapping into new markets and further diversifying Jamaica’s visitor base.

Additionally, Minister Bartlett revealed plans for a marketing blitz in India, one of the fastest-growing economies globally, with a roadshow planned for November. “The Asian-Pacific countries will constitute the largest block of outbound tourism in the world. In 2 to 5 years, India will be the second most powerful economy. We are positioning Jamaica to be part of that growth,” Bartlett shared. He also highlighted efforts to target Eastern Europe and the Schengen area, noting that these regions offer tremendous potential for inbound tourism.

To support these efforts, the tourism minister disclosed that the Jamaican government has committed JMD 1 billion to tourism marketing through the end of the financial year. “This is the largest single amount the government has provided for marketing augmentation in history,” the Minister announced, reinforcing the country’s dedication to solidifying its position in the global tourism industry.

Minister Bartlett also addressed destination assurance, calling on private sector partners to ensure that Jamaica continues to deliver a safe, secure, and seamless experience for visitors. He revealed that “the JTB Act is set to be amended” to require licensing for all tourism players, including those in the sharing economy. “Tourists are now staying in places we never imagined, but we cannot guarantee the quality of those experiences. This amendment will ensure that we maintain high standards across the board,” he explained.

As Jamaica gears up for more growth, Bartlett stressed the importance of public-private partnerships to drive the sector forward and urged JHTA members to think creatively and embrace the changes needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global market.

Minister Bartlett expressed confidence that with these strategies in place, Jamaica’s tourism sector is well-positioned for continued success. "Together, we can secure Jamaica’s place as a global leader in tourism for years to come," he concluded.

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, October 2, 2024: Key stakeholders, including political leaders in the parish of Trelawny, are calling for the introduction of a consistent gastronomy event, similar to the Savour Jamaica showcase held recently at the cruise shipping port of Falmouth, to help attract more visitors and boost Jamaica’s culinary offerings.

Mayor of Falmouth, Colin Gager and Member of Parliament for Northern Trelawny, Tova Hamilton have expressed that they would welcome an event similar to Savour Jamaica, which was held as one of the Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2024 events, becoming a permanent fixture. Savour Jamaica, which was staged at the Artisan Village in Falmouth, was a culinary event bringing together food vendors and chefs from across Jamaica to showcase dishes unique to each parish. 

Mayor Gager said he believed such an event would do well in the town, showcasing the various foods that are produced all over Jamaica. “I would love to see this as a regular attraction in Falmouth, especially on days when cruise ships are in port, as we would love to see that visitors can come off and taste of these offerings. And moreover, locals can walk over and also enjoy it. So, I think it’s something quite welcome; it’s something that is needed. Also, it helps with socializing, and I am sure if that is done you would have more persons coming out to enjoy what it has to offer and be a part of it,” he said.

Ms. Hamilton wants more than a one-off culinary event. “This activity would serve us well if it’s something that happens periodically. A one-off event is nice; it brings awareness to the space, but we’d love for it to be more frequently,” she admitted. 

Chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, The Hon Godfrey Dyer indicated that they may have their wish. “I’m happy to see so many of you here. It’s a start up; nothing like this is anywhere else in Jamaica or the Caribbean and we can see where this is going to go,” he told the gathering.

Explaining the thinking behind Savour Jamaica, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Jennifer Griffith said “the theme for TAW this year is ‘Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love’ and for this activity, we have extended it to say, Out of Many, One Pot, because food is a good thing to really bring cultures and people together.”

Furthermore, she added, “tourism and peace is about peace in communities, peace and harmony among nations, peace and harmony among people. So, there are many ways to encourage persons to work together, but around a plate of food, is a sure win and the Artisan Village provided a good venue for a food event.”

Chefs and eateries offering the best of Jamaican cuisine in several parishes, were selected to offer a wide variety of dishes from neatly laid out booths in the Artisan Village. One booth from St. Elizabeth featured seafood, in particular peppered shrimp, while another specialized in both baked and boiled land and sea crabs. 

Patrons also had a variety of other choices. From St. Thomas came ackee and saltfish with roasted and fried breadfruit, while St. Catherine offered its seafood specialty, Westmoreland showcased freshly roasted pig on a spit, St. Ann opted for jerk chicken and home parish Trelawny, its sought-after roast yam and mackerel rundown.

The event which was open to both locals and visitors also featured live cultural entertainment, including the Artisan Village Performers dramatizing the story of Falmouth and a presentation of drumming, blowing of the Abeng, singing and dancing by beautifully costumed Trelawny Maroons. TAW 2024 ran from September 22-28.

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has welcomed news that S Hotel Montego Bay (previously known as S Hotel Jamaica) has been ranked the number one Best Hotel in the Caribbean and Central America by the world's leading travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. S Hotel Kingston (previously known as Spanish Court Hotel) ranked number 9 on the exclusive list. 

Minister Bartlett noted that the achievements by S Hotel Montego Bay and Kingston are testament to the "hard-working genius of this Jamaican resort group and their unflinching dedication to quality, refinement and fulsome showcasing of the best of Jamaican culture, heritage and our loving spirit. Destination Jamaica continues to be at the center of world-renowned hotels."

More than 575,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the United States rated travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers' Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry's longest running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector.

“We are honoured that our portfolio of hotels—S Hotel Montego Bay and S Hotel Kingston—has been celebrated as the top hotels in the Caribbean & Central America market by Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards,” noted Anne-Marie Goffe-Pryce, General Manager of S Hotel Montego Bay. She stated further that, “S Hotel Montego Bay has earned this prestigious recognition for the second consecutive year, and we’re equally excited to see S Hotel Kingston honoured for the very first time! This incredible achievement is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional guest experiences and showcasing the vibrant charm of Montego Bay and Kingston. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our guests for their continued support and invaluable feedback.”

In April this year, S Hotel Montego Bay was voted Top All-Inclusive Hotels in the World; Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean and Top 25 All-Inclusive in the Caribbean by the world’s largest travel guidance platform, TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best hotels are among the top one per cent of the 1.6 million hotel listings on Tripadvisor. Beyond that, S Hotel has picked up numerous other accolades including the number 1 All-Inclusive Caribbean resort in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 listing. Additionally, the Hotel ranked as the number one resort in the Caribbean and Central America and an impressive 16th globally on the Conde Nast 2023 Best Hotels in the World Readers’ Choice Awards.

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, October 1, 2024: A stunning mural, the latest addition to the Downtown Kingston Art District, was unveiled by the Ministry of Tourism, on World Tourism Day, September 27, as part of activities to mark Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2024. Executed through a collaborative effort between the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and Kingston Creative, the mural, titled “Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love,” is a vibrant representation of Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage and the unifying role of tourism. The project was brought to life by lead muralist Sheldon Blake, with assistance from Rohan Cargill, and stands as a striking symbol of the connection between tourism, peace, and cultural exchange.

The mural, located on Peters Lane, celebrates Jamaica’s tourism industry by showcasing elements of the island’s music, fruits, craft vendors, and iconic tourist attractions, such as Devon House and rafting on the Rio Grande. It serves not only as an artistic statement but also as a reminder of the nation’s resilience, peacebuilding efforts, and the pivotal role that tourism plays in fostering understanding across cultures. 

The mural’s unveiling was the penultimate event of TAW 2024, which ran from September 22-28, under the theme “Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love.”

In his message read by Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Griffith, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett expressed that the mural was a reflection of Jamaica’s thriving tourism sector. “Tourism has long been a powerful force for good, connecting people from all walks of life, fostering understanding, and creating an environment where peace thrives through mutual respect and cross-cultural exchange. The mural we are unveiling today will be a visual representation of how tourism brings us together - breaking down barriers, healing divides, and celebrating the beauty of our diversity,” the Minister expressed.

The Minister also stressed that Jamaica has welcomed three million stopover and cruise visitors so far this year, generating approximately US$3 billion in earnings. 

He also highlighted the sector’s resilience in the face of challenges. Minister Bartlett underscored that: “Despite various challenges relating to US travel advisories, hurricane Beryl, and tightness in airlift, we are marginally ahead of last year’s performance and remain on track to achieve our target of securing 5 million visitors and US$5 billion in earnings by 2025. This resilience, this ability to bounce back, is proof of our dedication and the value we place on our tourism product. Tourism is not just an economic driver; it is a bridge to peace, understanding, and collaboration.”

Wade Mars, Executive Director of TPDCo, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the mural’s deep connection to Kingston’s identity. “This mural, beautifully created by the talented Sheldon Blake, holds deep significance, especially here in Kingston, the heartbeat of the island. Our capital city is more than a hub of commerce and government; it is a cultural landmark – a place where Jamaica’s rich history, vibrant music, and dynamic art scene converge. A mural of this nature, promoting peace through tourism, is a most fitting addition to the Downtown Kingston Art District,” Mars said.

The unveiling of the mural on World Tourism Day, celebrated under the global theme “Tourism and Peace,” was especially meaningful to Kingston Creative, the organization which partnered on the project. Deputy Director Janet Crick expressed Kingston Creative’s excitement about the impact of such artwork on the community. “We here at Kingston Creative are so elated that the addition of these murals to this space has, as we have learned from the true testimonies of many, brought a sense of well-being to those who traverse the streets. We hope that with the addition of this mural, ‘Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love,’ it will bring many more and much more love,” Crick remarked.