KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 7, 2020:  Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett says his Ministry remains committed to working with Jamaica’s rural communities to strengthen their resilience, create jobs and build economic opportunities.  This focus on rural development is a critical pillar in the Ministry’s plan to rebuild the industry, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the Tourism Awareness Week Webinar, hosted at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel recently, the Minister said: “As we re-imagine our tourism product in these uncertain times, the focus on rural development seems quite timely. Tourism in rural areas will provide key opportunities for recovery, as these communities seek to bounce back from the harsh economic setback caused by the pandemic.”

He outlined that pre-pandemic, there were 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals; travel and tourism accounted for 10.3% of global GDP; and it employed 1 in 10 persons around the world. 

“At home, as we welcomed 4.3 million visitors, the sector earned US$3.7 billion, contributed 9.5% to the nation’s GDP and generated some 170,000 direct jobs,” Mr. Bartlett said.

“Unfortunately, both at home and abroad, COVID -19 has resulted in major job losses, while the falloff in business and earnings has been astounding… However, tourism is the heartbeat of our economy and it will serve as the catalyst of Jamaica’s Post-COVID-19 economic recovery,” said the Minister.

One key project the Ministry of Tourism and key partners will be completing soon, to benefit rural communities, is Jamaica’s first Artisan Village at the Hampden Wharf in Falmouth, which is on target to open at the end of 2020.  The TEF-financed project will see other artisan villages being established in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Port Antonio, and Negril.

The Minister also highlighted community tourism initiatives being carried out in partnership with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, under its Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI), which is facilitating the sustainable growth of community tourism enterprises across the island. 

Just recently, the second phase of the initiative (REDI II) was launched at the Office of the Prime Minister, which is a US$40-million World Bank-funded programme seeking to unlock the full potential of rural communities.  

Stressing the importance of developing rural communities, he shared that globally, persons in rural communities who have small and medium enterprises drive 80% of tourism. 

“The essence of the experiences of visitors across the globe is found in rural areas. Tourism has that capacity to transform rural communities from sleepy areas into buzzing centres of economic activity and we saw that here in Jamaica. Ocho Rios for example, was a sleepy fishing village 60 years ago and today it is a buzzing centre of commerce – creating jobs and providing economic well-being,” said the Minister.

“We want this transformation to happen all across Jamaica in our rural areas. We are now re-defining the destination to enable that transformation. So, St. Thomas in the next frontier for us and the rest of the South Coast is also on the radar for us,” he added. 

The Tourism Awareness Week 2020 webinar was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies, under the theme: “Tourism and Rural Development”.  The event, was moderated by Dervan Malcolm, and included presenters such as, Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett; Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) President, Clifton Reader; and Chairman of Jakes Hotel and Villas, Jason Henzell; Angella Bennett – the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) Regional Director, Canada; and Donnie Dawson – JTB’s Deputy Director, The Americas.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; October 6, 2020: As the tourism sector seeks to rebound from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jamaica Tourist Board’s ‘Rediscover Jamaica’ campaign is being hailed as a major success in helping to drive this process. In highlighting the positive contribution of the campaign, Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett said it “has been a great success, with some hotels reporting up to 50% to 60% occupancy from local bookings.”

Minister Bartlett, disclosed this recently as he welcomed the reopening of the 49-suite Zoetry hotel in Montego Bay, following a seven-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr. Bartlett expressed confidence that “this initiative will continue to reduce the impact caused by the fallout from a decline in international tourism receipts and ensure continued buoyancy of the sector until some semblance of normalcy returns.”

He also noted that currently Jamaica is enjoying the highest booking rate in the region with more bookings directly rather than through travel agents. If current levels of interest are maintained, “we are potentially looking at over one million visitors by year end, which would be a fairly impressive achievement, given the current environment,” stated Minister Bartlett.

Regarding investments, he said investors continue to show confidence in the Jamaican market, adding that 90% of previously planned projects are still on target, despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Among those slated to come on-stream are a 1700-room hotel in St. James, 2,000 rooms in Green Island, Hanover, and tourism development programmes for Kingston and Port Royal.

“This show of confidence in Jamaica by investors has helped to boost our image as a leading tourist destination,” said the Minister as he noted that these investments are creating job opportunities and further fuelling the expansion and diversification of the tourism product.

For its part, government was working to create an environment that attracts and fosters premium investments in the sector and to this end, “we are investing in infrastructural development, including the modernization and expansion of the two international airports, improvement of the road network, and expansion and development of our cruise ship piers,” disclosed Minister Bartlett.

He noted that as the country recovers from the current COVID-19 crisis, there was little doubt that the future growth of the nation must be through tourism.  “If tourism’s recovery is to be responsible and sustainable, we must look beyond investments in accommodation and encourage investment in experiential marketing arrangements that will keep Jamaica competitive and cutting edge at all times,” the Tourism Minister said.

Zoetry is one of several properties operated in Jamaica by AMResorts, including the 700-room Secrets Resort, and Breathless Resort, which also reopened its 150 room property recently. Secrets has been back in operation since August 8.

Associate Director of Sales, Kaylia Harrison disclosed that a day after reopening, Zoetry hosted a wedding and most prior bookings had rebooked for October, “so the occupancy is not looking badly at all. This weekend we will be in the 50s and 60s percentage wise, so that’s good.”

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; September 29, 2020: The Ministry of Tourism will be taking strategic steps to facilitate the development of tourism in St. Thomas and the expansion of the sector along the South Coast and in other parts of the country that have untapped tourism potential. 

This was revealed by Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett as he addressed the Tourism Awareness Week 2020 Thanksgiving Church Service, on World Tourism Day (September 27). He said: “We will continue to build out a framework of support that will include product development, training, infrastructural improvement and access to financing for rural communities.”

With more major projects set to come on-stream, Minister Bartlett said: “We are committed to adding depth and diversity to our tourism product while providing economic viability in communities beyond Jamaica’s traditional resort areas. This will lay the foundation for a more equitable, sustainable and inclusive tourism sector that benefits all Jamaicans.”

The service, hosted by Trumpet Call Ministries International in Montego Bay, was one of several activities by the Ministry, as it joined the global community and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in observing World Tourism Day and to kick-start the local Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) activities. 

Other activities for the week include: Daily advertorials highlighting rural development initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies, a virtual expo, a virtual webinar, social media competitions, and a youth photography competition.

Minister Bartlett said this year’s World Tourism Day theme: “Tourism and Rural Development” highlighted the unique role that tourism plays in providing opportunities outside of big cities and preserving cultural and natural heritage all around the world. The theme is guiding local activities from September 27 – October 3 to raise awareness of tourism’s significant contribution to the island’s wide-scale growth and development.”

Minister Bartlett has expressed confidence that the industry will help to foster the country’s economic rebound. He said: “Tourism is the heartbeat of our economy and will serve as the catalyst of Jamaica’s Post-COVID-19 economic recovery.”

The Minister added that “as we re-imagine our tourism product in these uncertain times, the focus on rural development seems quite timely. Tourism in rural areas will provide key opportunities for recovery, as these communities seek to bounce back from the harsh economic setback caused by the pandemic.”

The week of activities is being supported by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and newly-elected president, Clifton Reader expressed assurance that “COVID has dealt us a severe blow but we will rise again.”

Mr. Reader commended the tourism sector’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols and said he had “never seen the industry so united and we must keep it that way.” He also said he had spoken with the president of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) and there was a commitment, through linkages, to connect all small communities catering to tourism.

In emphasizing the importance of leveraging the link between tourism and the agriculture sector Mr. Reader said “I am working with some of the culinary organizations to further development from farm to table, because the farmers need to know where their products end up finally and the quality they should produce at.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 29, 2020: Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett was recently welcomed into the International Tourism Hall of Heroes by the Rebuilding Travel Group, for his wide-ranging expertise and accomplishments in tourism.

The Minister was one of 16 tourism leaders from across the globe to receive the honour, during a virtual ceremony hosted on World Tourism Day 2020 (September 27).

During his acceptance speech, the Minister highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global tourism industry. 

“As global tourism seeks to rebound from the current crisis and anticipates equally disruptive forces in the future, the single most important challenge of the industry will be to respond to the question of its adaptability and sustainability,” said Bartlett.

“More so now than ever before, the adaptive tourism sector will be required to take account of its current and future economic, social, political and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities while fortifying its own capacity for risk management and resilience,” he added.

Also recognized from Jamaica was Diana McIntyre-Pike, for her role as a leader of community tourism and in the training of communities in entrepreneurship.

RebuildingTravel is a group of tourism leaders from 119 countries that came together when the COVID-19 pandemic became the largest threat the travel and tourism world has ever faced. It is a non-political pro-tourism industry group comprised of members of tourism boards, ministers of tourism, professional associations, industry stakeholders, researchers and academics, and travellers. The group is moving to unite the tourism industry as it faces its greatest challenge.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 24, 2020: The Ministry of Tourism, its agencies and industry partners will seek to further raise awareness about the transformative impact of tourism on rural communities through the observance of Tourism Awareness Week (TAW), from September 27 – October 3.

The week will be commemorated under the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) theme for World Tourism Day (September 27) – “Tourism and Rural Development”. The theme highlights the unique role that tourism plays in providing opportunities outside of big cities and preserving cultural and natural heritage all around the world.

Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett explained that: “As we re-imagine our tourism product in these uncertain times, the focus on rural development seems quite timely. Tourism in rural areas will provide important opportunities for recovery, as these communities seek to recuperate from the harsh economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“These communities are at the heart of our tourism product; providing the authentic, unique experiences and local lifestyles that provide our visitors with more enriching experiences,” he added.

In highlighting the role of the Ministry and its agencies over the years in using tourism as a tool to drive rural development, the Minister said, “we have always had a strong commitment to our rural communities, backed by policies and initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth and social inclusiveness.”

Some of the initiatives include, the Agri-linkages Exchange (ALEX) platform, which was set up to facilitate the purchase and exchange of goods between farmers and buyers within the hotel industry. This is aimed at increasing the use of local produce in tourism enterprises and supports the national thrust to reduce imports.

The Ministry has also engaged in Community Tourism initiatives in partnership with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), such as the National Community Tourism Policy; Community Tourism Portal; and Community Tourism Toolkit workshops.

Director of Tourism, Donovan White emphasized that: “As a destination Jamaica has encouraged rural development through community based tourism. Community involvement is the cornerstone of sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, community based tourism has made the sector accessible to more Jamaicans, provides jobs and allows more revenue to remain in rural communities.”

Activities for the week will include a youth photography contest and social media competitions, where persons will have the opportunity to win prizes by submitting unique photos, answering trivia questions or creating a jingle based on the theme.

The week, which starts on World Tourism Day, will begin with a church service at Trumpet Call Ministries International in Montego Bay, which will be hosted virtually. It will then continue with a Virtual Exposition on September 30, highlighting the works of local entrepreneurs and farmers from rural communities, who have benefitted from the tourism sector.  

A Virtual Webinar is scheduled for Friday, October 2, beginning at 10:00 AM. Presenters will include: Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett; Donovan White, Director of Tourism; Angella Bennett – the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) Regional Director, Canada; Donnie Dawson – JTB’s Deputy Director, The Americas; Clifton Reader – President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA); and Jason Henzell, BREDS Organization/Chairman of Jakes Resort.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 22, 2020: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has welcomed newly elected President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Clifton Reader. Reader was elected on Friday, September 18, during the JHTA’s 59th annual general meeting, which was hosted virtually. He succeeded Omar Robinson, who served in the capacity for the last four years.

“I must extend my heartiest congratulations to the incoming President of the JHTA. You have been given this responsibility during a critical time in our recovery process, as an industry. However, I am confident that with your experience and innovative ideas, that you will have a successful tenure,” said Minister Bartlett.

“The Ministry of Tourism stands ready to assist you and your team at the JHTA in any way that we can. We are all in this together. Strong partnerships and the sharing of ideas is the only way we can move forward, as an industry,” he added.

“I must also thank Omar Robinson for the excellent job he has done over the years as JHTA’s President. Mr. Robinson has been a firm leader who has used his platform to lobby effectively for his members,” said the Minister.

During the AGM, Minister Bartlett praised the JHTA for the work they have done throughout the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The JHTA has always been a valuable tourism partner.  It has been a rough seven months and I want to commend you for your resilience in the face of such great adversity. I just want to reassure you that we have your back. So let us continue to collaborate for the success of the tourism industry and the betterment of the many persons and entities that greatly rely on it,” expressed Bartlett.

Reader is currently the managing director of Moon Palace Jamaica and has a wealth of experience in the tourism and hospitality sector.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 21, 2020: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett says his Ministry will be developing a Tourism Supplies Hub that will help to position Jamaica as the premier logistics centre in the region. The hub will focus on training and certification of tourism workers, serving as suppliers for cruise and airlines; and resilience and technology support.

The Minister made the announcement recently during his address at the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association’s (JHTA) 59th annual general meeting (AGM), which was hosted virtually. 

During his address, he added that this hub would be “a critical response to the cruise companies, which have indicated that they would like to secure supplies from Jamaica as well as additional workers.”

He shared that his Ministry has been proactive with its approach to the cruise industry, by meeting with them frequently to get updates on how the industry will safely re-open.

“We have been in long discussions with our cruise partners. Although I cannot announce to you today the exact date when cruise will resume in Jamaica, I can tell you that we have been very vigorous in terms of our efforts to redefine the relationships between the cruise industry stakeholders and ourselves,” said the Minister.

“This is being done with the hope of ensuring that a greater level of not just resources will come to Jamaica but that Jamaica will benefit greater from the ability that the cruise lines have to generate more local involvement and more inclusiveness, in terms of the returns from the sector,” he added.  

The Tourism Ministry is also seeking to launch a collaborative global marketing campaign that will bring partners in private sector and Government together to speak with one voice and market Jamaica as a COVID-19 resilient destination, based on the destination’s world-class protocols and innovative Resilient Corridors.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 18, 2020:  ourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett today announced that Carnival in Jamaica organizers will forego its annual road march and related activities until April 11, 2021.

“As the country enters the community transmission phase of the COVID-19 virus, we strongly believe it is in the best interest of our people, to forego hosting our annual carnival celebrations for this year,” Minister Bartlett expressed.

“We are mindful of the significant economic loss this will have on our country, as this event generates billions annually, with many small and medium sized enterprises benefitting from the celebrations. However, the Government of Jamaica must continue to put strong measures in place to prevent unnecessary exposure of our people and visitors to the deadly disease,” said Minister Bartlett.

The road parade originally scheduled for Sunday, April 19 was first postponed to Sunday, October 25, due to the threat of the spread of the novel coronavirus. The decision to forego hosting the event in 2020 was made after consultation with event organisers and members of Government and is in keeping with current containment measures.

“Based on all of the professional healthcare advice, taking into account that carnival is not only a local but also an international tourism entertainment product, we have no choice but to reschedule the staging of our Carnival in Jamaica Road Parade from October 25th 2020 to April 11th 2021.  This will allow us the time to do what we need to do to have a safe and enjoyable Carnival in 2021,” said Chairman of the Carnival in Jamaica stakeholders committee, Kamal Bankay.

He further noted that all of the bands and fetes will honour all tickets and costumes purchased in 2020 for the 2021 staging.

A revised Carnival in Jamaica calendar, including all the major fetes will follow in the coming days.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; August 3, 2020: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett says the donation of a brand-new ambulance by the Tourism Enhancement Fund to the Negril Fire station will boost health security for visitors and locals alike.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony on Friday [July 31, 2020], Minister Bartlett highlighted that: “Negril represents a very critical resort area that continues to add to Jamaica’s prestige as a destination and this donation of an ambulance will boost the health security that is needed for this growing town.

Visitors and locals will feel more confident moving around, as the response to health emergencies will be strengthened.”

The Minister spoke also to the importance of the assurance every destination needs to provide, that if something happens there is adequate resources to respond.

“This is what this ambulance will represent for the town of Negril, the assurance that in event of an emergency, the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) at the fire station will be able to respond and respond quickly,” said Minister Bartlett. 

The ambulance, valued at J$18million, will greatly assist the EMS department at the Negril Fire Station which has been without a working ambulance for the past eight months. The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) also provided an additional $7.6 million for the renovation of the fire station in the resort town.

“Last year we embarked on a strategy lead by my Permanent Secretary to reimagine the town of Negril and this forms part of that strategy to boost the resources required under the new destination plan,” concluded Minister Bartlett.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 28, 2020:  Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett says Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs), have a key role to play in reviving the economy, in the aftermath of the fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking recently at the virtual staging of the Tourism Ministry’s signature Christmas in July tradeshow, he said: “The Tourism Linkages Network through initiatives such as Christmas in July is playing a crucial role in this recovery process by stimulating well needed economic activity through partnerships.”

He stressed that “everyone has a role to play in rebuilding the economy and Christmas in July provides an avenue for suppliers to begin to earn again and do their part in rejuvenating the economy.”

Minister Bartlett underscored that assisting local suppliers to meet the demands of the tourism sector through the development of stronger linkages with other sectors, remains a top priority of the Tourism Ministry.

He said: “We remain committed to ensuring that the country’s domestic sectors are better able to supply the products and services that are the necessary inputs of the visitor’s experience.”

The Minister explained that “this is even more critical under the new dispensation brought about by COVID-19, which has put a strain on every sector of the economy, with an added burden on the tourism sector because it is by far the most reliable means of getting the national economy up and running again.”

Christmas in July is an exhibition of locally produced corporate gifts and souvenir items that will enable local entrepreneurs to benefit more from the linkage opportunities available in the tourism industry.

Participants over the years have been chalking up millions of dollars in sales through contracts negotiated at the event. “The 50 highest earners of Christmas in July 2019, made a combined total of J$9.2 million by participating in the event,” Minister Bartlett revealed.

Items on display this year, from 146 entrepreneurs, included locally produced art, fashion and accessories, processed foods, aromatherapy, and souvenirs such as desktop solutions and décor items that are available for purchase. The event also featured a ‘Style Jamaica’ fashion show which showcased apparel by several top local fashion designers.

The tradeshow is organised by the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, in partnership with Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), and the Bureau of Standards.

A gift catalogue of all participants and samples of their work will be made available at a later date.