Increase in Winter Arrivals from the UK Projected

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 26, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says that Jamaica has recovered all the lost seats following Sunday’s collapse of Thomas Cook, which flies a significant number of visitors to the island from Manchester, England.

“Today Jamaica became the first country to conclude fully, all the arrangements to recover the loss airlift occasioned by the collapse of Thomas Cook,” said Minister Bartlett.

The Minister, who is currently in London for the Jamaica Travel Market, also noted that all partners have responded positively to Jamaica and his Ministry is projecting an increase in flights from the region for the upcoming winter season.

“We have met with all our key partners, our three major airlines – TUI, Virgin and British Airways and we have completely restored all the seats that would have been lost for the period and we are expecting additional arrivals for the winter,” said the Minister

He also noted that Jamaica will increase rotations but the exact number of new seats for the winter season will be announced when he returns to the island.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, the Minister stated that Thomas Cook was expected to fly 16 charters to Jamaica between now and March 2020. Those charters represent 7,300 visitors to Jamaica and a potential loss of US$10 million in tourism spend.

“The fallout that we expect will be minimal in terms of the six rotations that are immediate. The way we look at it is that they will be re-booking with some of the other carriers like Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and so on. That would minimise that fallout, so instead of the 1,800, we could recoup about 900,” said Minister Bartlett during the briefing.

The Minister and the Director of Tourism, Mr Donavan White will return to the island on September 30, 2019.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 25, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett departed the island yesterday to participate in the Jamaica Travel Market (JTM) at the Sopwell House, London. 

The JTM is being organised by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) for the fourth time, to showcase Jamaica as a premiere destination. It provides the ideal Business-to-Business platform for British tour operators and agents, primarily, to meet with Jamaican suppliers and partners directly.

“We are very excited about this event and the entire industry joins us on this activity where we are able to meet with tour operators, travel agents, airlines and all other partners who constitute a particular strength of the market outside of Jamaica,” said Minister Bartlett.

The JTM will take place from 25th - 27th September ahead of the World Travel Market (WTM), which is also a major promotional platform for the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

“Jamaica is probably one of the few countries that has taken the steps to have its own travel market outside its country and we try to do it ahead of the biggest travel market in the world. It is an opportunity for Jamaican suppliers to conclude or sign contracts so that when they get to the world travel market, they would have already completed most of their business.

The World Travel Market is a major tourism tradeshow that introduces global travel buyers to over 5,000 of the biggest destinations and brands in the world. This year it will feature 11 Jamaican companies, creating the ideal opportunity to meet industry professionals and conduct business deals.

Through its industry networks, the WTM also creates personal and business opportunities while also providing customers with quality contacts, content and communities.

While in London, the Minister and his delegation will take the opportunity to negotiate and finalize the JTB’s UK marketing arrangements, given the likely impact of Brexit on the value of the UK Pound and resultant affordability of travel. 

The Minister will also have discussions with the JTB and key partners about any further implications to the market as a result of the sudden collapse of British travel company Thomas Cook. 

“This travel market event is timely, because it coincides with a disruption that has just happened.  The second largest tour operator and distributor in the tourism industry, Thomas Cook folded a few days ago. The effects of which is devastating to several tourism dependent countries,” said the Minister.

He added that, “We know that potentially Jamaica will potentially be affected, to the tune of US$10 million because of the fall-out of approximately 11 million passengers. The good news is that we are moving to cauterise this through arrangements with our partners and the proactive approach that we have utilised to ensure that the fallout to our market will be minimised.

When we come back from the Jamaica Travel Market, we will be able to give a fuller report in terms of the extent to which we will be able to cover ourselves, and protect our market.”

Minister Bartlett is accompanied by Mr. Donovan White, Director of Tourism and will return to the island on September 30, 2019.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 24, 2019:  Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says his Ministry through the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), has allocated US$100,000 to support tourism-ravaged economies impacted by disruptions such as natural disasters and pandemics.

Speaking at a press conference today at the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Kingston office, the Minister noted that the announcement has stemmed from discussions he had with critical tourism partners at the recently concluded United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) 23rd Session of the General Assembly in Russia. 

“One of the key areas we looked at in Russia is how to deal with some of these disruptions that are affecting us… Coming out of these discussions, in collaboration with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), we are providing US$100,000 in support of the tourism ravaged economies of the Bahamas and other areas in the Caribbean that may be impacted in the future,” said the Minister.

The JHTA has contributed US$20,000 to assist in relief efforts through the UNWTO and the GTRCMC.

The Minister noted that this fund is going to assist in relief efforts in hurricane-ravaged Bahamas but also towards the commissioning of a baseline study to assess the vulnerabilities of the Caribbean to major disruptions.

“A baseline study is being commissioned by the Centre to look at Caribbean vulnerabilities to disruptions of this nature. It is not just about hurricanes but other pandemics and epidemics. We are doing that, not just on the basis that is providing supplies but to build capacity. It is about the building of capacity to deal with disruptions,” said the Minister.

He also noted that, “This fund is going to look at a study in terms of understanding these phenomena but more importantly, how we build capacity to deal with them.” 

The Centre’s newly elected Executive Director, Professor Lloyd Waller and his team have been tasked with overseeing the process.

“We want to also acknowledge the work that the Sandals Foundation has done and is doing in terms of the recovery process in the Bahamas.  We are grateful for their partnership with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, and the massive support they continue to give the Bahamas,” said the Minister.

The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre's mission includes assisting global tourism destinations with destination preparedness, management and recovery from disruptions and/or crises that affect tourism and threaten economies and livelihoods globally.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 23, 2019:  Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has named a 9-member Board of Trustees, for the recently passed landmark Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme. The appointment is for a period of one year with immediate effect.

Retired banking and insurance executive, Richard Powell will serve as chairperson, with Attorney-at-Law, Hyacinth Lightbourne as deputy-chairman.

The other members are: Retired Actuary, Daisy Coke; President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Omar Robinson; Group Commercial Director of Sandals Resorts, Wayne Cummings; Hotelier, Philipp Hofer; Attorney-at-Law, Carlton Williams; Chartered Accountant, Eric Crawford; Head of the Hugh Lawson Shearer Trade Union Education Institute at UWI’s Open Campus,  Danny Roberts.

“The appointment of the Board of Trustees will take us one step closer to making the Tourism Workers Pension Act (2019) come to life and speaks to the Government’s commitment to human capital development. This Pension Scheme will secure the safety, future and social requirements of the people who work in tourism,” said Minister Bartlett.

The Board of Trustees will play a critical role in the management of the Scheme starting with the review of the regulations required to make it operational. Its mandate will also include management of all moneys paid, or assets transferred into the Scheme and the appointment of a Fund manager.

The Pension Scheme, which was passed in parliament in July, has also received the assent of the Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

The Pension Scheme, is a defined contributory plan supported by legislation, and will require mandatory contribution by workers and employers.

Designed to cover all workers ages 18-59 years in the tourism sector, whether permanent, contract or self-employed, the Scheme will cover all categories of workers.

It is expected to come into effect early 2020, with benefits payable at age 65 years or older.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, September 23, 2019:  Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has been recognized by the African travel and tourism industry for his exemplary work and contribution to the growth of the sector in Africa and in the Diaspora.

ATQ News and Akwaaba African Travel Market have selected Minister Bartlett as one of the Africa Top 100 Tourism Personalities to be honoured at the First African Tourism Diaspora Conference 2019, which takes place in Lagos, Nigeria, September 22 to 24, 2019.

Publisher of ATQ News, Ikechi Uko says “The award recognizes personalities of African origin, living in Africa or outside the continent, irrespective of their current citizenship or nationality who are willing to contribute to the development of the continent and its Diaspora.”

While he is unable to accept the award in person due to prior commitments, Minister Bartlett has acknowledged the prestigious Africa Travel 100 Global Personalities Award as a tremendous honour for the work he has been doing on behalf of Jamaica and reaffirmation that it is a tour de force in the global travel industry.

“The relationship Jamaica’s tourism industry has with the continent of Africa is very meaningful.  I therefore wholeheartedly thank the African Tourism Diaspora for this wonderful recognition, which I believe will further strengthen the relationship Jamaica has with the continent,” said Minister Bartlett in his letter acknowledging the award and advising that Jamaican High Commissioner, His Excellency Esmond St C Reid, will receive it on his behalf.

Minister Bartlett is a member of African Tourism Board Association and has been working to create avenues for continued growth and corporation between the nations of Africa and Jamaica which recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Kenya to broaden cooperation in tourism. Also, President Uhuru Kenyatta, on his recent official visit to Jamaica, agreed to be honorary co-chair of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crises Management Centre (GTRCMC) for Africa.

The Africa Travel 100 Awards, now in its 18th year, has recognized over the years leaders, industry practitioners and government officials who have promoted tourism and improved travel using unique platforms and new information.

It is also set up to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves as foremost and outstanding drivers in the travel and tourism industry and through their efforts and that of their organizations have impacted positively to the travel and tourism sector, stimulating and helping to achieve the country's tourism goals and forging interactions among stakeholders.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 22, 2019: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is set to announce the appointment of a Board of Trustees for the recently passed landmark Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme. Designed to cover all workers ages 18-59 years in the tourism sector, whether permanent, contract or self-employed, the Scheme will cover all categories of workers.
 
“The Board of Trustees, which will comprise of a mix of highly capable stakeholders from the public and private sectors, will play a critical role in the management of the Scheme starting with the review of the regulations required to make it operational,” said Minister Bartlett.
 
The Board’s mandate will also include management of all moneys paid, or assets transferred into the Scheme and the appointment of a Fund manager. The pension Scheme which was passed in parliament in July, has also received the assent of the Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

In highlighting the importance of this next phase of the pension Scheme, Minister Bartlett said, “The appointment of the Board of Trustees will take us one step closer to making the act come to life and speaks to the government’s commitment to human capital development. This pension Scheme will secure the safety, future and social requirements of the people who work in it.”

The Tourism Workers' Pension Scheme will receive $1 billion in funding from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and benefits will be payable at age 65 years or older.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 12, 2019: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCM) will be establishing satellite centres in Kenya, Seychelles, South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco to expand their reach within the continent.

This agreement emanated from discussions held in the margins of the 23rd session of the UNWTO General Assembly, currently taking place in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The Satellite Centres will focus on regional issues and will share information in Nano time with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre. They will then function as think tanks to develop possible solutions.

Each Minister has the responsibility of identifying a university in their respective countries, to collaborate with the University of the West Indies and by extension the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre.

Relevant memoranda of understanding are also being finalized to facilitate this agreement, beginning with the satellite Centre in Kenya.

This comes on the heels of President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta’s assumption as Honorary Co-Chair of the GTRCM for Africa last month.

President Kenyatta joins the esteemed ranks of Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, former President of Malta, who are also GTRCM honorary co-chairs.

The Governments of Jamaica and the Republic of Kenya also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to broaden cooperation in tourism. Among the many areas listed in the framework for cooperation are the promotion of safe, ethical and sustainable tourism; collaboration on addressing risk related to tourism resilience and crisis management, through research and development, policy advocacy and communication management, and training and capacity building.

While in Russia, the Minister has been championing the efforts of the GTRCM.  He used his platform to address the General Assembly to speak about the disruptions in the Caribbean, with particular focus on the Bahamas and its recent experience with Hurricane Dorian. His speech was welcomed by the UNWTO General Assembly, which in turn has expressed solidarity with the government and people of the Bahamas.

The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, which was first announced in 2017, operates in a global context that is characterized by not only new challenges, but also new opportunities for tourism in an effort to improve the tourism product as well as to ensure the sustainability of tourism globally. The ultimate purpose of the Centre is to assist destination preparedness, management and recovery from disruptions and/or crises that impact tourism and threaten economies and livelihoods globally.

The Minister and his delegation are expected to return from Russia on September 14, 2019.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 11, 2019: Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett says the development of the herbaceuticals sector is also a priority activity within the Tourism Linkages Network of the Ministry Of Tourism, with a national research project currently underway.

The Minister made this statement yesterday, during his participation in a High-level Forum on Medical and Health Tourism, at the twenty-third session of the General Assembly United Nations World Tourism Organization in St. Petersburg, Russia.

“The ongoing research is geared primarily towards exploring the awareness, knowledge and perception of the Jamaican public on the existence and usage of ‘Herbaceutical’ products.

The overall purpose of this study is to explore and locate areas of opportunity, whereby the Government can act on reliable information to design and implement policies and programmes to develop a more robust herbaceutical industry,” said Minister Bartlett.

Research has shown that of the 160 plants known and declared worldwide to have medicinal properties, 80 of these plants are endemic to Jamaica. The term ‘Herbaceutical’ is to be used here to categorize products such as food, cosmetics and medicinal products consisting of a substance produced by the process of drying, crushing or mixing of plant materials.

He noted that “with the use of ‘Herbaceuticals’ as a medicinal alternative among the populace becoming a growing trend in developing countries and with limited publications/ research on the phenomenon, the research will support informed policy making that takes into accounts the views of all relevant stakeholders.”

In April of this year, the Health and Wellness Network of the Ministry of Tourism also partnered with a local research and development lab to organize a Natural skincare product workshop to engage members of the spa, physiotherapy and dermatological community on the use of plant-based ingredients in the development of natural products and its use in economic growth.

“In keeping with its objective to develop the framework for the expansion of Jamaica’s health and wellness tourism product, we remain committed to ensuring a credible and safe health and wellness tourism product through developmental initiatives that enable practitioners to align services with national standards,” said the Minister.

The Minister and his delegation are expected to return from Russia on September 14, 2019.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 07, 2019:  Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett says he is heartened by results of a new study by the Bloom Consulting, which shows Jamaica entering the top-ten tourism country brands in the Americas for 2019-2020, moving up five places since the last assessment.

“I am very proud of the continued improved positioning of Jamaica’s tourism product globally and particularly the recent Bloom Consulting positioning, which has given Jamaica a premiere place in the Americas,” said Minister Bartlett.

The top-10 ranked countries in the Americas from first to 10th place are the United States, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Argentina, and Jamaica.   Jamaica ranks 52 out of 198 destinations.

Bloom Consulting is a firm, which specializes in nation branding and city branding. Since 2003, the company has developed Nation Branding and City Branding strategies for various local and national governments around the world, collaborating with government officials, heads of tourism boards, and directors of investment agencies.

According to the consulting company, their ranking “not only measures perceptions and appeal of a tourism-specific Country Brand, but also classifies its relative branding performance in a tangible and realistic manner.”

Their algorithm for this ranking comprises four key variables, including the economic performance of a country’s tourism sector, its online performance, as well as digital measurements, to present an accurate and objective Brand Ranking.

“I am particularly pleased that we are included in this list for our economic performance. I am extremely pleased that our earnings have grown exponentially and whilst we make projections for US$5 billion over 5 years, we are seeing the kind of increases that makes us feel confident that we will achieve those targets,” said the Minister.

The study states that the Caribbean region experienced strong growth “despite being hit by violent hurricanes in the summer of 2017.” Sharing also that, “Jamaica must be congratulated for reaching a higher Country Brand Strategy Rating and being able to stabilize its tourism receipts thanks to prioritizing its Country Brand given the strong competition in the area.”

The Minister shared that the positive ranking is a result of the hard work being done by the Ministry of Tourism and other local stakeholders.

“I want to use the opportunity to congratulate my team, the sector, and the stakeholders who have all been working so hard. Over the last three years, Jamaica has distinguished itself as a leader in so many areas. We have grown our arrivals against the background of our projections of our five-pillar strategy – which is to increase arrivals to five million in five years and earn $5 billion,” said the Minister.

He also added that, “I think that all of us as a nation need to feel justly proud that we have built an industry that is truly supportive of our economic goals and is a great contributor in job creation and inclusive growth.” 

KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 06, 2019: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett departs the island tomorrow to participate in the 23rd Session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) General Assembly in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

During his visit, the Minister will discuss plans for Jamaica to host the UNWTO Regional Commission of the Americas (CAM) meeting as well as a Global Conference on Innovation, Resilience and Crisis Management, in May or June of 2020.

Jamaica was successful in its bid for the Chairmanship of the UNWTO Regional Commission of the Americas (CAM) for the biennium 2019 – 2021. 

“Jamaica is very excited to host members of the CAM for this very important meeting next year. We are also very pleased that it will give fellow members an opportunity to learn more about our Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, which will play host to this meeting,” said Minister Bartlett.

The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, which is located at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, is dedicated to assisting with preparedness, management and recovery from disruptions and crises that impact tourism and threaten economies and livelihoods.

The Minister also shared that he will use his visit in Russia to lobby for more support for Bahamas, immediate past chair of the UNWTO Regional Commission of the Americas, following the damage caused by the passing of hurricane Dorian.

“While in Russia I will be presenting the case overall for further collaboration with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre in relation to dealing with Caribbean vulnerabilities. In the process, I will be supporting the Bahamas in their own recovery efforts.

I will be partnering with Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas, Hon. Dionisio D'Aguilar, to ensure that a full appreciation for the extent of the damage in the area, and the extent of support that is required is realised by all of the partners,” said the Minister.

All 156-member states are expected to be in attendance in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation for the General Assembly, which is the supreme organ of the UNWTO.  Its ordinary sessions are held every two years and are attended by delegates of the Full and Associate Members.

The General Assembly is the most important meeting of senior tourism officials and high-level representatives of the private sector from all over the world. It is the principal gathering of the UNWTO and meets to approve the budget and programme of work and to debate ‎topics of vital importance to the tourism sector.

Minister Bartlett is expected return to the island on September 14, 2019.