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.

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.