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.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Friday, September 27, 2024: A panel of young leaders has expressed strong agreement that many opportunities currently exist in Jamaica’s tourism industry but that the need exists for additional training to prepare more young people for those roles.

During a discussion on the topic “Building a Bridge: Youth as Catalysts for Change,” Prime Minister’s Youth awardee, Odane Brooks said: “From a government and policy standpoint we have to continuously reframe the discussion about the opportunities in tourism. There is a lot of opportunities for innovation development and so we have to get our people trained and therefore positioned to take up those opportunities.”

The youth panel discussion was one of the highlights of the Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) Youth Forum 2024 held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre earlier this week. The forum forms part of the slate of activities for TAW 2024, which is being observed from September 22-28, under the theme “Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love.” This year’s theme is in keeping with UN Tourism’s (United Nations Tourism) global theme of “Tourism and Peace,” for World Tourism Day, which is being commemorated today, September 27. 

Singling out the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s tourism innovation incubator initiative that offers mentorship and coaching to young entrepreneurs on how to take their businesses to the next level, Mr. Brooks said: “We have to see more of those avenues for young people to be able to tap into resources like those so we can take small businesses to the higher value chain, where you can earn more from the tourism sector.”

He noted that this was something currently being pursued by the Ministry of Tourism “to retain more of the earnings from tourism,” adding that, “if we are able to increase the skillset of our young people to be able to tap into some of the opportunities available, then we will be able to reduce the amount of tourism earnings that leave the country.”

Dean of Discipline at Anchovy High School, Levon Brissett said with tourism encompassing a wide range of disciplines, “there are jobs in tourism that we may not necessarily know are tourism jobs.” He stressed the need for partnerships with work experience coordinators to prepare students with vocational skills to take on jobs in tourism so that “our students would not then leave high school wondering, where am I going to go next.”

On the issue of innovation, when asked what he would like to see industry leaders do at this time, Junior Minister of Tourism, Taj Melbourne said the thrust must first start in schools with the integration of technology. He suggested a special AI (artificial intelligence) programme that would facilitate students learning more about the Jamaican culture so that they are better able to pass it on to visitors to enhance their understanding of what is authentically Jamaican.

President of the UWI Tourism Society, Katrina Chin also agreed that “investing in innovation is very important.” She felt that “Jamaicans are so creative but the resources they need to get the things done, that they want to get done, is the problem.”

The forum, which was moderated by public relations specialist, Amashika Lorne, saw participation from over 200 students from Tourism Action Clubs in some 23 secondary and tertiary institutions, as well as other stakeholders with an interest in tourism.

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, September 26, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island yesterday (September 25) for Tbilisi, Georgia, where he will participate in the official global celebrations to mark World Tourism Day (WTD) 2024. The event, organized by the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism), is set for September 27 under the theme “Tourism and Peace,” and will bring together leaders from across the globe to explore the role of tourism in fostering peace, cultural exchange, and unity. 

Minister Bartlett emphasized the significance of Jamaica’s involvement in this year’s WTD celebrations, particularly as the country holds the position of second vice chair of the UN Tourism Executive Council. “Jamaica’s participation in this high-level event underscores our commitment to leveraging tourism as a force for peace and unity. Our spin on the theme, which we have used for Tourism Awareness Week 2024, ‘Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love,’ aligns with this year’s global theme and speaks to our unique history of embracing inclusivity and fostering harmony. Through tourism, we continue to build bridges across cultures and contribute to a more peaceful and interconnected world,” he noted. Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2024 is being observed locally from September 22-28.

The World Tourism Day celebrations will feature keynote speeches, ministerial dialogues, and high-level discussions on tourism’s role in promoting peace, economic stability, and sustainable development. Tbilisi, known for its multicultural heritage and historical significance, provides an ideal backdrop for these discussions, which will engage key global stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

The tourism minister also underscored Jamaica’s recent tourism success, noting that the country has welcomed approximately three million visitors and generated some US$3 billion in earnings since the start of 2024. 

“These numbers are a testament to Jamaica’s resilience and the strength of our tourism sector. We are on track to achieve our ambitious target of five million visitors and US$5 billion in earnings by 2025, demonstrating that Jamaica is a leader not only in tourism growth but also in harnessing the sector’s economic power to uplift our people and promote peace,” he added.

Minister Bartlett is slated to return to the island on Sunday, September 29.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Tuesday, September 24, 2024: Tourism Awareness Week 2024 started on a positive note, highlighting the growth of Jamaica’s tourism industry in the face of both local and international threats, and its contribution to the wider economy.

In his message marking the start of the week on September 22, during a thanksgiving service at Family Church on the Rock Montego Bay, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett said last year Jamaica welcomed a record-breaking 4.29 million visitors and generated US$4.38 billion in earnings. He stressed that “based on preliminary figures, since the start of 2024 we have welcomed some 3 million stopover and cruise visitors to the island, earning approximately US$3 billion.” 

Minister Bartlett added that “despite various challenges relating to US travel advisories, hurricane Beryl and tightness in relation to 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.” 

In his message read by Director of Tourism, Donovan White, Minister Bartlett also conveyed that locally, the tourism industry is acknowledged as a key pillar of the nation’s economy, providing livelihoods for thousands of Jamaicans. 

Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2024 is being observed from September 22-28, under the theme “Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love.” This year’s theme is in keeping with UN Tourism’s (United Nations Tourism) global theme for World Tourism Day, which is marked annually on September 27, “Tourism and Peace.” Throughout the week, the Ministry of Tourism, its public bodies, and industry partners will seek to emphasize tourism’s critical role in fostering cross-cultural collaboration and global unity.

Minister Bartlett underscored that tourism served as a catalyst for peace, creating economic opportunities and stability for individuals and communities, leading to improved social cohesion and a stronger commitment to maintaining peaceful conditions in order to attract and sustain visitors.

“The annual worldwide movement of millions of people creates invaluable opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in different traditions, cuisines, languages and lifestyles. This intercultural dialogue is crucial for breaking down prejudices and stereotypes, while building bridges of understanding and acceptance. Recognizing this potential, leveraging tourism as a powerful tool to promote peace is logical and essential,” he said. 

Also participating in the service were President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Robin Russell; JHTA area chair for Montego Bay, Nadine Spence; Junior Minister of Tourism from the Tourism Action Club at Manning’s School, Taj Melbourne; Chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, The Hon. Godfrey Dyer; Executive Director of JAMVAC, Joy Roberts;  Executive Director of Devon House, Georgeia Robinson along with several other representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies.

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, September 23, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has made an urgent call for G20 nations to invest in capacity building for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that are heavily reliant on tourism. Minister Bartlett made the call while speaking at the G20 and UN Tourism Side Event recently, under the theme ‘Tourism: Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,’ in the margins of the 4th G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting in Belém, Brazil, from September 19-20, 2024.

Highlighting the stark economic disparity where G20 nations generate nearly $1.5 trillion in tourism revenue compared to just $35 billion for SIDS, he called for collaborative efforts to enhance sustainable tourism practices, improve travel facilitation, and support local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“By fostering eco-tourism and investing in cultural heritage, we can ensure that these beautiful islands not only attract global visitors but also thrive economically,” said Minister Bartlett. He also reiterated his appeal for the establishment of a Global Tourism Resilience Fund to, among other things, help SIDS build their capacity for sustainability and innovation in the face of climate change and external shocks.

Minister Bartlett further emphasized the critical role of human capital development in achieving these goals, urging G20 nations to “invest in the people of SIDS by providing training and capacity-building programs that equip them with the skills needed to navigate the complex challenges of the global tourism industry.” He noted that resilient tourism sectors require well-prepared workforces capable of delivering world-class experiences while safeguarding their local environments and cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, Minister Bartlett also discussed ways to tap into the lucrative Indian travel market with India's Minister of Tourism, Hon. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, as Jamaica seeks to diversify its markets and boost arrivals.