Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, July 18, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, detailed the significant progress being made in establishing Jamaica as a key supply logistics center for the Caribbean cruise industry during his closing presentation of the 2024/2025 Sectoral Debate in Parliament. This development, he believes, will revolutionize Jamaica’s tourism sector and create unprecedented opportunities for local businesses.

“Several major cruise lines, including industry leaders such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Norwegian cruise lines, have expressed keen interest in sourcing more of their global product needs from Jamaica,” Minister Bartlett revealed. 

“This strategic recognition of Jamaica’s potential is not merely a gesture of goodwill. The cruise lines have made it clear that they are prepared to significantly increase their procurement of Jamaican products, provided these goods meet their exacting standards for quality, consistency, and reliable supply,” the tourism minister outlined. 

He further explained that this presents an excellent opportunity for Jamaica’s farmers, manufacturers, artisans, and other small and medium-sized enterprises, opening up a vast new market for local products and potentially transforming the economic landscape.

However, Minister Bartlett acknowledged the challenges this opportunity presents. “Meeting the stringent requirements of these global cruise lines demands a level of product sophistication, quality control, and supply chain efficiency that many of our local businesses may not yet possess,” he said. 

Notwithstanding this, he noted that to address these challenges, the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), has been working tirelessly to prepare local businesses for this opportunity. Through targeted initiatives, they have been equipping local enterprises with the skills and knowledge needed to meet international standards.

“This is more than just an economic opportunity,” Bartlett stressed. “It is a chance for Jamaica to showcase our products on a global stage, to demonstrate that our goods are not just ‘good enough’ for local consumption but are world-class and worthy of being served to discerning travellers from around the globe,” he continued.

Minister Bartlett also commended Jamaica Vacations Ltd. (JAMVAC) for their excellent work in marketing Jamaica as a premier cruise destination. “Their efforts have not only ensured that Jamaica remains a top choice for cruise lines but have also paved the way for these deeper economic partnerships,” he added.

The envisioned logistics center aligns perfectly with the Ministry’s vision of a “caring economy.” Minister Bartlett emphasized, “This initiative creates opportunities not just within tourism, but across various sectors. It empowers local businesses, fosters job creation, and ensures that a larger slice of the tourism pie directly benefits Jamaican workers and entrepreneurs.”

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, July 17, 2024: Despite the recent challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl, Jamaica’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, welcoming over 105,000 stopover visitors since reopening its ports. This impressive statistic, announced by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, during his closing presentation of the 2024/2025 Sectoral Debate in Parliament, underscores the industry’s strength and its significant contribution to the Jamaican economy.

“On July 2nd and 3rd, we had no visitors arriving in Jamaica but on the Fourth of July, we started receiving visitors again and in just 11 days, I reiterate for emphasis that we have brought in 105,000 stopover visitors. This is what resilience looks like!” Minister Bartlett stated. 

He noted that the rapid rebound is a testament to Jamaica’s well-honed disaster preparedness plans and the unwavering spirit of its tourism stakeholders. The tourism minister further explained that the arrival numbers received a significant bump thanks to patrons visiting for Reggae Sumfest 2024, currently underway in Montego Bay. 

Minister Bartlett also reiterated the industry’s impressive performance over the past year. Gross earnings surged to US$4.38 billion, reflecting a remarkable 9.6% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. This growth is fueled by a record-breaking 2.96 million stopover arrivals, representing a 9.4% rise over 2022/2023.

The tourism minister went on to highlight that the resilience extends beyond stopover arrivals as cruise tourism has also experienced a significant resurgence, with a 16% increase year-on-year. Jamaica has already hosted nearly 800,000 cruise passengers in the first half of 2024. 

“We have already welcomed 2.4 million visitors to our island this year, keeping us well on track to achieve our annual target of 4.3 million,” Minister Bartlett shared. He added, “These figures are not just numbers. They represent jobs for our people, opportunities for our businesses and a stronger, more resilient economy for Jamaica. They affirm our position as a premier Caribbean destination and underscore the effectiveness of our tourism strategies.”

GREEN ISLAND, Hanover, Jamaica – Monday, July 15, 2024 – Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett eagerly anticipates the September opening of the Princess Grand and Princess Senses The Mangrove, the first phase of a planned 2,036-room hotel development in Green Island, Hanover. Upon completion of the second phase, this project will become one of Jamaica’s largest resorts, significantly boosting the island's tourism offerings.

Minister Bartlett and other senior tourism officials received a progress update on construction and preparations for the 1,005-room resort and casino during a property tour on July 12th. The tour was guided by Robert Cabrera Plana, owner of Princess Hotels and Resorts, and Managing Director Enrico Pezzoli.

“I am excited to welcome Princess Resorts to Jamaica’s product offering,” said Minister Bartlett. “This significant investment will create substantial employment opportunities and further solidify Jamaica’s position as a premier tourist destination.”

Construction is proceeding on schedule, with Mr. Cabrera confirming a September opening. He stated confidently, “A hundred per cent, we will open in September.”

The resort is expected to create significant employment opportunities, with an initial workforce of 1,200 people growing to a peak of 1,500 employees. Minister Bartlett expressed particular satisfaction with the employment opportunities generated by the project, especially during the construction phase.

Among the resort’s features will be six specialty restaurants, one featuring an all-Jamaican menu.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Monday, July 8, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has revealed that Jamaica’s first Gastronomy Academy will be in operation at the Montego Bay Convention Centre by the end of 2024. In making the announcement yesterday (July 7), Minister Bartlett said the academy will be opened “for the winter tourist season this year.”

He said with the convention center already boasting “the largest and best kitchen, arguably in the Caribbean,” it will be complemented by a gourmet restaurant to be established also at the convention center as the training ground for the academy’s students.

The disclosure was made as Minister Bartlett congratulated entrepreneur Zelecia Smith on marking the fifth anniversary of her Paris Ruby Gourmet pastry venture, at Pier 1. 

“We’re going to be having young people like Zelecia becoming part of this, because we’re not only now going to be training executive chefs and sous chefs and trying to make people into Michelin-standard performers for the business of cuisine development and great restaurants,” he said.

Briefly commenting on the performance of the convention center, Mr. Bartlett also congratulated Executive Director, Mureen James and her team “because they took a convention center which was a losing proposition for us and in six months this year, they have already increased their yearly projection by ten percent.”

Pointing to this as proof of the facility’s tremendous potential, Minister Bartlett highlighted that “when we add to it a gourmet restaurant, a gastronomy academy and later on the entertainment academy, the convention center in Jamaica will be ready for take-off.”

A new board of directors was named for the convention center last month and Chairman Bertram Wright said, “on the agenda, it’s one of the priority items that we plan to pursue.”

Turning to Ms. Smith, Minister Bartlett lauded her for her entrepreneurial drive, “for your tenacity, your assiduity to purpose and the fact that you showed us that a young person with talent, skill and determination, with commitment and a vision can stay the long haul.”

A former banker, Ms. Smith gave up her career in finance to pursue her passion for baking, specializing in fruitcakes, cheesecakes, bread puddings and banana breads.

In an emotional presentation, Ms. Smith related her journey in creating Paris Ruby products, inspired by her mother’s special pancake, and said her goal was to make them available internationally. “A lot of sacrifices went into Paris Ruby and I can’t give up, I can’t give up,” she said tearfully.

In this regard, Minister Bartlett invited her to participate in the Ministry’s Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF)/EXIM Bank programme for Small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs), with a chance of getting a $25-million loan for five years at four and a half percent interest, for expansion. “We’re about upskilling, expanding, enabling the small enterprises in tourism to become large enterprises in time,” he said.

As an ardent supporter of the Tourism Linkages Network’s “Christmas in July” tradeshow and other promotional events staged by the TEF, Ms. Smith also spoke of her desire to assist other enterprising persons to grow their businesses and she invited a number of small manufacturers to share her space and gain exposure during the celebratory event.

KINGSTON, July 4, 2024 – Jamaica’s reputation for resilience continues as Hurricane Beryl moved past on July 3. Jamaica‘s hotels and resorts were well-prepared as staff and guests remained safe during the storm. 

Jamaica’s airports and cruise ports have announced plans for re-opening:

• Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay is currently scheduled to re-open at 6:00 p.m. today, July 4.
• Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston is currently scheduled to re-open at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, July 5. 
• The Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA) in Ocho Rios is currently open. 
• Jamaica’s Cruise Ports (Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth) are currently open.

Visitors are advised to contact their travel advisor and airline provider for updates before arriving at the airports. 

“Jamaica is open for business and, once again, the resilience of the Jamaican people is on full display,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “We are grateful that there has been no wide-scale impact to our general tourism infrastructure and our tourism industry is fully operational. Our message to our partners and visitors is Jamaica is ready for you, so come back to the destination you love.”

Donovan White, Director of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, encouraged tourism industry partners across the world to spread the word that Jamaica is open. “We are ready, willing, and more than able to welcome our guests back to our beautiful island,” said Director White. 

Jamaica has welcomed more than two million visitors thus far in 2024, more than ever reported during the period of January to May, further solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading island travel destinations.

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, July 4, 2024: Following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has indicated that based on information collected by the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC), Jamaica’s tourism sector has not experienced any major fallout from the weather system. 

“While there have been some reports of fallen trees, debris, flooding and power outages, we are grateful that there has been no wide-scale impact to our general tourism infrastructure,” said Minister Bartlett. 

The TEOC reported that a limited number of tourists required relocation due to blocked roadways or due to precautionary measures. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our TEOC team and tourism partners, visitors were safely relocated from one location to another,” Mr. Bartlett explained. 

The tourism minister continued: “We are also aware of isolated reports of property damage. Post-hurricane impact assessments are now underway and are being led by the Tourism Product Development Company’s (TPDCo) product quality team, and we will have a clearer picture of the steps that will have to be taken to address any concerns in the coming days.”

“I commend our tourism partners and representatives of the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies, including members of the TEOC team, for working closely and tirelessly to mitigate the impact of Beryl, which will also facilitate a speedy recovery,” Minister Bartlett underscored.

“Our resilience and collaboration in the face of adversity was again demonstrated over the last few days, and I am confident that the industry will recover rapidly and emerge even stronger,” Bartlett added. 

The TEOC serves as the central hub for coordinating emergency response and recovery efforts within the tourism sector. Serving as the official source of information for the tourism industry, the TEOC is located at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and was officially activated on July 2.

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, July 2, 2024: As Jamaica braces for the potential impact of Hurricane Beryl, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has convened several urgent strategy meetings since Sunday, June 30, 2024, with the Policy and Planning Group and other key members of the Ministry’s Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC). The meetings, which included Ministry of Tourism officials, Chairmen and Executive Directors of public bodies of the Ministry, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and other leading private sector tourism stakeholders, were aimed at ensuring the tourism sector is fully prepared to face the possible challenges posed by the hurricane.

Minister Bartlett emphasized the critical nature of the initiative. "The entire TEOC team and all our tourism stakeholders remain committed to safeguarding our tourism sector and ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to mitigate the impact of Hurricane Beryl. This collaboration among key stakeholders is essential to our preparedness efforts," Minister Bartlett said.

He outlined that “preparations have been made for the full activation of the TEOC Centre at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel at midday today (July 2).” He added that the TEOC team is therefore currently focusing on several preparedness activities, including:

• Ensuring hotels, Airbnbs, and tourism attractions follow comprehensive hurricane preparedness plans.
• Coordinating with local authorities to secure the safety and well-being of staff and tourists.
• Establishing communication protocols to provide timely updates and guidance to all tourism sector entities.
• Stocking emergency supplies and securing facilities to minimize potential damage.
• Implementing evacuation plans where necessary and ensuring that emergency contact information is readily available.

Minister Bartlett underscored that “the TEOC team will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed. The team will also maintain contact with our tourism partners, including Airlines and Cruise lines. I urge all tourism stakeholders to remain vigilant and to follow all safety guidelines to ensure the protection of life and property.”

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, July 2, 2024: The Ministry of Tourism has activated the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) in preparation for the passage of Hurricane Beryl. The TEOC serves as the central hub for coordinating emergency response and recovery efforts within the tourism sector. The TEOC is located at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and was officially activated at midday today (July 2).

“We are closely monitoring the development of Hurricane Beryl. I have met key industry partners to ensure that all necessary precautions are being taken,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. Minister Bartlett continued: “The safety of our residents and visitors remains our top priority. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of ODPEM’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to ensure the protection of life and property.”

The TEOC will serve as the central communication point for the tourism sector, providing official information and updates on the hurricane’s progress and any potential challenges posed by the weather system in relation to tourism facilities. The TEOC will also work closely with the NEOC to coordinate requests for assistance and ensure a swift recovery from any storm-related impact.

The Minister outlined that “the primary purpose of the TEOC is to perform four key functions, information collection, analysis and dissemination; coordination; communication; and resource requesting and tracking.” He stressed that “the TEOC is the official source of information for the tourism sector as we seek to assist our tourism partners and safeguard the industry.” 

“Jamaica has a proven track record of resilience in the face of challenges. We are confident that by working together, we can minimize any disruption caused by Hurricane Beryl and ensure the continued success and growth of the tourism industry,” noted Minister Bartlett.

CHICAGO; Illinois; Wednesday, June 26, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has welcomed news that United Airlines increased its total flights to Jamaica by over 50% since 2019. The disclosure was made during a meeting with the Airline’s top brass and the Minister and his Senior Executives at United’s World Headquarters last week. United Airlines is a major American airline headquartered at the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. It operates an extensive domestic and international route network across the United States, connecting six continents from its seven US mainland hubs.

“Jamaica continues to be in high demand and this increase by one of the largest US airlines proves that the partnership between the destination and airline has been fruitful and is strong. We pride ourselves on being one of the most connected destinations through our network of airline partners who form a core part of driving our tourism growth,” said Minister Bartlett.

The Airline’s Senior representatives indicated that they will fly their largest schedule to Jamaica this year- a 15% increase vs. 2023. They also highlighted that Jamaica’s Sangster International airport (MBJ) remains a key location for the airline as its 3rd largest Caribbean destination. United is serving MBJ from 5 of its hubs at up to 34 total weekly flights in 2024.

“Without airlift, we cannot grow our tourism product and so we rely on these types of partnerships to create mutually beneficial outcomes. Jamaica is in a good position regarding its phenomenal post COVID growth and with this consistent demand for the island, we are optimistic about our tourism outlook,” Minister Bartlett said.

“To have one of the largest airlines out of the US, our main source market, increase its service says a lot about our partnership and how attractive Jamaica is as a destination. There is no doubt that our unique and authentic tourism offerings continue to make visitors want to come to our shores,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

Summer is gearing up to be very robust as some of the Airlines’ hubs, New York/Newark, Houston, Washington D.C./Dulles, Chicago, and Denver, experience strong load factors for travel to Jamaica.

KINGSTON; Jamaica; Monday, June 24, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett believes the push to reimagine Caribbean Tourism is key to ensuring the resilience of the industry. Speaking at the Council of Ministers during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week in New York on Tuesday June 18, Minister Bartlett expressed his support for implementing changes that will benefit the region. 

“Tourism remains the lifeblood of the Caribbean and as such we must do everything in our power to ensure that the industry is resilient. As we continue to grow, post COVID-19, it is important that we take a deep look at how we are operating and how we need to operate in the future to respond to the changing demands and potential disruptions,” said Minister Bartlett.

Held during Caribbean-American Heritage Month, Caribbean Week covered the Caribbean Tourism Organizations’ (CTO) business proceedings which included meetings of the Board of Directors and the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.

“The call by the Secretariat of the CTO to actively look at reimagining the organization is welcomed as the region looks at finding strategic ways to increase our partnerships, creativity and opportunities to benefit us all. The pandemic showed us that we must do away with competition and move towards co-petition to grow exponentially to benefit livelihoods within our communities,” Minister Bartlett said.

The primary objective of the Caribbean Tourism Organization is to provide to and through its members, the services and information necessary for the development of sustainable tourism for the economic and social benefit of the Caribbean people.

From this year’s deliberations, plans are being developed, through a consultant to look at ways of reimagining the organization. It was agreed that a working committee be set up to ensure the input of Caribbean destinations in the development of the strategy.