Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, September 18, 2024: 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, as they observe Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2024 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.” 

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, described Tourism Awareness Week 2024 as an opportunity to celebrate the transformative power of tourism. 

“Tourism is not just an economic driver for Jamaica but a bridge between cultures. It creates an intercultural dialogue that breaks down barriers and promotes understanding,” said Minister Bartlett. “The theme ‘Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love’ encapsulates the essence of Jamaica—a vibrant blend of cultures that unites both locals and visitors in a shared love for humanity,” he added. 

Director of Tourism, Donovan White, echoed the tourism minister’s sentiments, adding that: “The events for Tourism Awareness Week 2024 will showcase how the sector can act as a catalyst for peace both locally and globally. Through tourism, Jamaica has the opportunity to lead the way in creating a world where peace is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality.”

The week will officially begin with a Thanksgiving Church Service at the Family Church on the Rock Montego Bay on Sunday, September 22. The activities will continue with the unveiling of a mural on Monday, September 23, along Peters Lane, Downtown Kingston. This mural, inspired by the TAW theme, will serve as a visual representation of tourism’s ability to unite people across cultures and promote a shared love for humanity.

On Wednesday, September 25, students from Tourism Action Clubs (TAC) across the island will gather for a special TAW Youth Forum. This dynamic event will explore how tourism fosters peace and unity. The forum will also be augmented by a Speaker Series and Storytelling Competition for TAC members in schools island-wide, giving students a platform to share their vision for a more peaceful world through tourism. 

The following day, Thursday, September 26, will feature Savour Jamaica, a culinary event at the Artisan Village in Falmouth, Trelawny. This celebration of Jamaican cuisine, under the theme “Out of Many, One Pot, One Love,” will bring together food vendors and chefs from across the island to showcase authentic Jamaican dishes, highlighting how gastronomy tourism connects people through a shared love of food.

The week’s activities will culminate with the “Out of Many, One Love” Concert at Devon House on Friday, September 27. This event, marking World Tourism Day, will be hosted by Jenny Jenny and feature performances by Jesse Royal, Lila Ike and DBurnz with music by DJ Kurt Riley. The concert will bring together the public, tourism partners, and stakeholders for an evening of cultural exchange and celebration.

Minister Bartlett will join other global tourism leaders including officials from UN Tourism in marking World Tourism Day 2024 in Tbilisi, Georgia. “Peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it is harmony, acceptance, and mutual understanding. Jamaica’s tourism industry is not only a pillar of economic growth but also a force for global peace. By fostering the free flow of people and ideas across borders, tourism builds bridges of understanding and acceptance,” Minister Bartlett expressed. 

“Let us use tourism as a powerful tool to change the world, fostering global unity and understanding. All are encouraged to participate in the week of activities and stay tuned to the Ministry’s social media channels @tourismja for more information,” Minister Bartlett added.

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, September 17, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that based on preliminary figures Jamaica has welcomed just over 2 million stopover visitors and some 3 million total visitors, including cruise arrivals, between January 1 and September 14 this year. This achievement marks an increase over last year's figures for the same period. 

The milestone comes as Minister Bartlett departs the island for Belém, Brazil, where he will participate in the 4th G20 Tourism Working Group meeting, being held from September 19 - 20, 2024. The Minister will also attend a G20 Ministerial Meeting on September 21, 2024, amid Jamaica’s continued push to expand its share of the lucrative Latin American market to boost arrivals.

Minister Bartlett said: “Surpassing 2 million stopover arrivals and welcoming some 3 million total visitors since the start of 2024 is a remarkable achievement for Jamaica. Furthermore, the tourism sector has also earned approximately US$2.97 billion since the year began. So, 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, which demonstrates the sustained recovery and growth of our tourism industry. This reflects the strength and resilience of our tourism sector and the continued appeal of Jamaica as a premier travel destination.” 

The tourism minister further noted that increasing airlift to Jamaica from new and emerging markets remains a key component of the Ministry’s Blue Ocean Strategy, as the team works to enhance competitiveness and strengthen relationships with international carriers and stakeholders, especially on the South American continent.

“This trip to Brazil is an important part of our efforts to boost airlift and connectivity between Jamaica and Latin America. The G20 Tourism Working Group meeting presents an invaluable opportunity to engage with international tourism leaders on resilience and sustainability – areas where Jamaica is seen as a global thought leader,” Bartlett underscored.

The G20 is an international forum for economic cooperation, where member states meet to discuss key economic, political, and social initiatives. During his time in Brazil, Minister Bartlett will participate in a range of activities, including technical meetings and bilateral discussions, aimed at fostering stronger ties between Jamaica and Latin American markets. Additionally, he will be a speaker at the G20 and UN Tourism Side Event on September 20, 2024, under the theme ‘Tourism: Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.’

In addition to his involvement in high-level meetings, Minister Bartlett will attend the UN Tourism Sustainability Forum and the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Public-Private Sector Dialogue on Tourism, before concluding his visit with the Ministerial Meeting on September 21, 2024. 

“As we look ahead, sustainability and resilience remain at the forefront of Jamaica’s tourism agenda. The G20 provides an excellent platform to advocate for these principles internationally and to foster positive change in the global tourism industry,” the tourism minister added.

Minister Bartlett is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Monday, September 23, 2024.

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, August 22, 2024: The Jamaica based Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) and Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate cooperation in boosting tourism resilience. The areas of cooperation covered under the MOU include: Climate resilience in tourism; Entrepreneurial tourism resilience; Tourism security resilience; and Tourism pandemic resilience.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett revealed that the partnership will also see the establishment of a GTRCMC satellite center at the University of San Luis. This partnership, formalized during a ceremony in São Luís, Brazil, earlier this week, seeks to equip stakeholders with the tools to navigate future challenges and build a more resilient tourism industry.

Minister Bartlett, who signed the MOU alongside his Brazilian counterpart, Hon. Celso Sabino and Governor of Maranhão, Carlos Brandão, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “Building resilience has become the foundation on which sustainability can be achieved. So, my colleague, Minister Sabino and I will build, together, an intellectual institution to develop resilience and make stakeholders capable of recognizing difficulties and overcoming them quickly, with the best information, good ideas and innovation,” Minister Bartlett said.

It was noted that the establishment of the GTRCMC satellite center at the University of San Luis will take place in September 2024, coinciding with the G20 Tourism Ministers’ meeting, at which Minister Bartlett is expected to present on tourism resilience and sustainability.

Additionally, Jamaica is poised to become the most connected English-speaking Caribbean destination to Brazil and by extension South America, following high-level discussions led by Minister Bartlett, and his Brazilian counterpart, Minister Sabino. The discussions focused on securing full air connectivity between the two countries and strengthening tourism collaboration.

Minister Bartlett also noted that the Brazilian government has expressed its willingness to offer incentives to airlines operating this route, a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and facilitating travel between the two countries.

“This will undoubtedly deepen our social and cultural ties to South America, opening the door to new economic opportunities for all countries in the region. Our meetings with Brazilian stakeholders underscore our commitment to fostering sustainable growth and expanding Jamaica’s reach in Latin America,” Minister Bartlett added.

Minister Bartlett’s visit to Brazil also included meetings with public and private sector stakeholders, where discussions focused on further strengthening the tourism partnership. Mr. Bartlett further explained that the collaboration is expected to significantly increase the number of Brazilian visitors to Jamaica, contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.

Kingston, Jamaica, August 15, 2024 – Jamaica has announced an 11% increase in arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023. This demand for one of the world’s leading island travel destinations further exemplifies its projection to welcome 5 million visitors by 2025.

“We’ve had an excellent start to the year, already welcoming a record-breaking 2.4 million visitors to-date,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “These first quarter results demonstrate how hard-working our tourism community is and how our collective efforts to construct a resilient tourism product continue to drive our economy. We do this all for the people – our cherished community who we always strive to create opportunities for and our visitors who we consider as a part of our Jamaican family.”

The “One Love” island reported a strong start in the first quarter of 2024 with 781,081 stopover visitors, representing a 6.4% increase in stopover arrivals compared to the same period in 2023. Demand from the U.S. remained firm with a .9% increase in stopover arrivals in March 2024 compared to March 2023, with the strongest interest from the South (4.2%+) and Midwest (2.1%+). In Q1 2024, the U.S. also saw a 3.2% increase in overall market performance compared to Q1 2023 and a 39.9% increase in market performance compared to Q1 2022 – an indicator of the island’s strong post-pandemic bounce back. 

“As we head into the busy fall and winter travel seasons, we remain confident the tourism experience we deliver will continue carrying us forward on the path towards success,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica. “It’s humbling to see Jamaica’s persistent tourism growth after years of unwavering hard work and support from our partners and, for that, we’re so appreciative.”  

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, August 7, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, will depart the island for Paris, France today (August 7) to attend the Olympic Games. While in the City of Lights, Minister Bartlett will be instrumental in promoting Jamaica as a premier tourist destination through the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) Jamaica House initiative.

With the world’s attention turned to Paris for the Olympics, the Jamaica House, a vibrant hub showcasing the best of Jamaican culture, will be open to visitors throughout the Games. Minister Bartlett emphasized the importance of leveraging the global stage to promote Brand Jamaica. “Our athletes are global ambassadors, and their stellar performances provide us with a unique opportunity to showcase Jamaica’s rich heritage and warm hospitality to a worldwide audience. We are here to remind the world that Jamaica is not just a destination; it is an experience,” he said.

Jamaica House will feature a range of activities, including live music, food, and giveaways, designed to immerse visitors in the island’s vibrant culture. The tourism minister encouraged Jamaicans and visitors alike to experience the authentic Jamaican vibe at the hospitality house located at Espace de la Cockerie, CRC International, 1 Imp. de la Cokerie, 93210 Saint-Denis, France, a six-minute walk from the Olympic Stadium – Stade de France. 

Following his trip to Paris, Minister Bartlett will travel to Brazil on August 17, 2024, to engage in high-level talks with Brazilian Minister of Tourism, Hon. Celso Sabino, aimed at strengthening tourism ties between the two countries.

Minister Bartlett highlighted the strategic importance of the Brazilian market to Jamaica’s tourism growth. “Brazil and the broader Latin American region are of strategic importance to Jamaica’s sustained tourism growth and development. By strengthening our ties with Brazil, we aim to tap into a dynamic market with enormous potential. This is about building bridges that will bring more visitors to our shores while also enhancing cultural and economic exchanges between our countries,” Minister Bartlett noted.

Minister Bartlett is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA; July 31, 2024 – Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett announced yesterday (July 30, 2024) that Jamaica is positioning itself as a global center of tourism innovation, highlighting the remarkable success of the Tourism Innovation Incubator programme. Speaking at the official Meet and Greet Event for Cohort 2 of the Tourism Innovation Incubator at the AC Marriott Hotel, Minister Bartlett underscored the programme's pivotal role in revolutionizing Jamaica's tourism industry.

Launched by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, a public body of the Ministry of Tourism, in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tourism Innovation Incubator aims to identify and nurture groundbreaking ideas that can transform Jamaica's tourism sector. This year, the programme received an astounding 222 applications, marking a 553% increase from the 34 applications received in its inaugural year in 2022.

"This exponential growth is not merely a statistic; it's a resounding vote of confidence in the programme's potential and a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that runs deep in the veins of every Jamaican," Minister Bartlett emphasized.

From this impressive pool of applicants, 22 innovators were carefully selected to join the 2024 cohort. This diverse group, comprising 12 women and 10 men ranging from 19 to 68 years old, represents a cross-section of Jamaica's parishes. Their innovative ideas span a wide spectrum, including immersive underwater experiences, authentic cultural immersions, cutting-edge augmented and virtual reality tours, sustainable transportation solutions, and pioneering applications of artificial intelligence and blockchain in tourism.

Minister Bartlett, who conceptualized the incubator initiative, stressed that the Tourism Innovation Incubator is more than just a programme; it's a bold statement of Jamaica's commitment to becoming a global thought leader in the tourism industry. He called upon stakeholders to embrace these innovations and invited potential partners and investors to seize the myriad opportunities for collaboration and investment.

"We are not just adapting to the future of tourism - we are actively shaping it," Minister Bartlett declared. "We are crafting experiences that will not only attract visitors but leave an indelible mark on their lives. We are building a tourism industry that is sustainable, authentic, and quintessentially Jamaican."

The Tourism Innovation Incubator is poised to generate significant job opportunities, particularly for youth, while enhancing visitor experiences and laying a solid foundation for sustainable tourism development in Jamaica. As these innovative ideas move from concept to reality, they promise to reshape Jamaica's tourism landscape, touching the lives of millions of visitors and Jamaicans alike.

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, July 29, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has challenged the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean’s (UCC) 2024 graduating class to arise and take their rightful place in shaping Jamaica’s future. Delivering the keynote address at the institution’s commencement ceremony yesterday (July 28) at the National Arena, where he was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Minister Bartlett lauded the UCC’s role in developing the nation’s human capital.

“This theme, ‘It’s a New Beginning…Arise and Take Your Place,’ is not only fitting for our graduates, who are stepping into new chapters of their lives, but also for the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) as it embarks on a new era,” Minister Bartlett stated.

Highlighting the UCC’s pivotal role in workforce development, the Minister emphasized the institution’s Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management as a critical component of the Ministry’s efforts to build capacity within the sector. “This programme, along with UCC’s emphasis on workforce development strategies, will help ensure that our tourism industry remains competitive, sustainable, and capable of providing meaningful career opportunities,” he asserted.

In accepting the Honorary Doctorate, Minister Bartlett expressed his appreciation for the recognition and reiterated his commitment to Jamaica’s tourism industry's continued growth and development. 

“This recognition is not just a personal accolade but a testament to the collective efforts of everyone who has contributed to the development of Jamaica’s tourism industry. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to UCC for this honour,” he said.

At the same time, the tourism minister acknowledged his fellow honourees: Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) and Chairman of the Ministry’s Tourism Linkages Council, Mr. Adam Stewart, who was conferred with the Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration award; Dr. Patricia V. Smith, who received an Honorary Doctorate in Behavioral Sciences; and Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson, who received an Honorary Doctorate in Business and Entrepreneurship.

Minister Bartlett’s address concluded with a passionate call to action for the graduating class. “You are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers,” he stressed. “Your role in the future of tourism and other sectors will be pivotal. With the advancements in AI and other technologies, the world is changing rapidly. UCC graduates are uniquely positioned to drive these changes, ensuring that Jamaica remains at the forefront of innovation and sustainable development,” added the tourism minister. 

The UCC’s commencement ceremony, which saw approximately 1,000 graduates crossing the stage, was also marked by the installation of Professor Colin Gyles as the institution’s fourth president.

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, July 25, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has welcomed Avelo Airlines’ announcement that it will be introducing new direct flights between Hartford, Connecticut and Montego Bay, Jamaica, starting November 16, 2024. These non-stop flights will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing an accessible and affordable travel option for passengers.

Minister Bartlett, commended this new development, stating: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Avelo Airlines to Montego Bay with their new direct flights from Hartford, Connecticut. This route is of great significance as Connecticut and the surrounding areas represent a major market for visitors to Jamaica. Additionally, these regions have a high concentration of Jamaica's Diaspora, making this new service a vital link for families and friends. We are confident that this new connection will not only enhance convenience for travellers but also boost tourism and strengthen the cultural ties between our nations.”

Avelo Airlines announced this expansion as part of the largest growth initiative in its history, introducing nonstop service from Bradley International Airport to seven new destinations, including its first-ever international flights. Alongside Montego Bay, Avelo will also launch flights to Cancun, Mexico, beginning November 20, 2024.

“The Ministry of Tourism commends Avelo Airlines for recognizing the value of expanding their service to Jamaica and looks forward to a successful partnership that will benefit both destinations,” Minister Bartlett added.

Founded in 2021, Avelo Airlines has quickly established itself as a leading ultra-low-cost carrier in the United States. With a focus on providing affordable and convenient travel options, Avelo has rapidly expanded its network to include a variety of domestic and international destinations. The airline’s commitment to customer satisfaction and innovative service has made it a popular choice among travellers.

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, July 25, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is set to be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Hospitality & Tourism Management (Honoris Causa) by the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) at its commencement ceremony on Sunday, July 28, 2024. This prestigious distinction recognizes Minister Bartlett’s exceptional contribution to the tourism industry, both locally and globally.

Throughout his distinguished career, Minister Bartlett has demonstrated remarkable leadership in making tourism a key driver of sustainable growth in Jamaica. His focus on job creation, wealth distribution, inclusion, and fostering community development has ensured that the benefits of tourism reach all Jamaicans. A leading voice for tourism resilience, his role in co-founding the Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) in 2018 has helped forge a more resilient future for tourism worldwide.

In response, Minister Bartlett expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition from the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean. This award is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone in the tourism sector.” 

“Together, we have made significant strides in building a sustainable and resilient industry that benefits all Jamaicans. It is a privilege to serve Jamaica and contribute to the growth and development of our tourism sector,” added Mr. Bartlett, who will also deliver the keynote address at the event.

It was noted that other distinguished individuals will also be conferred with honorary doctoral degrees during the ceremony. These include Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) and Chairman of the Ministry’s Tourism Linkages Council, Adam Stewart, who will be conferred with the Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in Business Administration award.

The Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies extend sincere congratulations to Minister Bartlett and Mr. Stewart on this well-deserved honour.

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, July 18, 2024: In his closing presentation of the 2024/2025 Sectoral Debate in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday (July 16), Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, unveiled a comprehensive threefold strategy designed to bolster tourism growth amidst global economic uncertainties, airline capacity issues, and other challenges. 

“We are contending with global economic uncertainties, airline capacity issues, and challenging travel advisories such as the United States travel advisory issued in January, which made concerning claims about safety and medical services in Jamaica – all of which pose potential obstacles to our continued growth,” Minister Bartlett stated. He continued, “While showing overall resilience, inflation and geopolitical issues pose risks to economic stability and may temper travel demand by affecting consumer confidence and spending patterns.” 

Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Tourism is taking proactive measures to ensure Jamaica remains a top choice for travellers. Minister Bartlett outlined the threefold strategy:

1. Market Diversification: “We are intensifying our efforts to diversify our source markets, focusing on Latin America and the Middle East. This strategy will help 'future-proof' our growth by reducing our dependence on traditional markets.”
2. Marketing Enhancement: “We will significantly enhance our digital and traditional marketing presence, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and platforms to reach potential visitors more effectively and efficiently and enable us to measure the return on investment of our marketing dollar.”
3. Airlift Improvement: “We are working closely with airline partners to maintain and improve airlift to Jamaica. This includes exploring new routes and partnerships to ensure our island remains easily accessible to visitors from around the world.”

Moreover, the tourism minister highlighted ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure and product development. “Our goal is to offer unique, high-quality experiences that set Jamaica apart from other destinations. We are committed to sustainable tourism practices that not only attract visitors but also benefit our local communities and preserve our natural resources,” he added. 

Minister Bartlett praised the resilience of Jamaica’s tourism sector and the unwavering spirit of the Jamaican people saying, “While these challenges are significant, I stand before this Honourable House confident in our ability to overcome them. With our strategic approach, the innate resilience of our tourism sector, and the unwavering spirit of our people, I am certain that we will not only navigate these headwinds successfully but emerge stronger, continuing to grow and thrive in the global tourism market.” 

He concluded, “Jamaica's tourism sector has faced challenges before and, each time, we have not just survived but thrived. This time will be no different. We are Jamaica, resilient, resourceful, and ready for whatever comes our way.”