KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 22, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett has announced that highly regarded international expert, Dr Peter Tarlow, will join the team carrying out the intensive security audit of the tourism sector.

“Following my recent commissioning of a full security audit of all hotels and attractions, we have requested the support of international expert Dr Peter Tarlow to join the operational team from the Tourism Product Development Company, which is driving the process.

We want to make it clear that the Ministry is moving aggressively through its destination assurance strategy to continue the process of maintaining Jamaica as a safe, secure and seamless destination and enlisting Dr Tarlow is part of that strategy,” said Minister Bartlett.

Peter Tarlow is a scholar in the area of tourism safety, a consultant for the tourism industry, and the founder of Tourism & More Inc. He is the author of ‘Event Risk Management and Safety’ and teaches 'tourism safety' to police chiefs around the world. Dr. Tarlow has also worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the United Nation’s World Tourism Organization among other recognized institutions.

The security audit, which is to be completed by the first half of 2019, will identify gaps and ensure that the destination remains safe, secure and seamless for visitors and locals alike. Security arrangements are part of the licensing requirements for many sector operators and significant weakness or breaches will result in tough sanctions. So far over eight properties have been audited.

The Tourism Working Group, which was recently established by Bartlett to conduct a comprehensive review of issues in the sector, and is headed by PriceWaterhouseCoopers Senior Partner, Wilfred Baghaloo, will also be a part of the process. 

Minister Bartlett added that, “We are really concerned about making sure that at all points every visitor and Jamaican alike who enjoy the pristine and alluring experiences of the island are safe.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 21, 2018: As part of the Ministry of Tourism and its Agencies’ commitment to full transparency, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has ordered a full review of the costs associated with the budgeted amount for the ‘Welcome to Montego Bay’ sign and attraction. Minister Bartlett has instructed the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism to conduct the review.

Further, private sector interests in Montego Bay, including some members of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have committed support for the building of the new sign and attraction and will provide financial support amounting to five million dollars (J$5million) for its execution.

With the input of the private sector, government's financial input will be significantly reduced.

The new sign is expected to be an attraction for the millions of visitors as well as locals who traverse that busy thoroughfare. The development also falls within the extension of the Eastern Gateway Project, which is a series of beautification works running west along the Elegant Corridor from Greenwood, to the MBJ Sangster International Airport roundabout.

In explaining the move to provide financial support, prominent businessman John Byles said, “We believe that this welcome sign will be a significant addition to the allure and prestige of the city of Montego Bay. The city represents the heartbeat of tourism and deserves a monument that will be fitting for our guests and locals and as such we are more than willing to help mitigate the costs to erect it.”

Minister Bartlett in welcoming private sector support said, “What this means is that we will not stand the full cost of executing this critical showpiece for the hub of our tourism activities. As I have indicated before, this is more than simply a sign, this will be a conversation piece for years to come.”

The Tourism Product Development Company Ltd (TPDCo) will execute the project with funding from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). The sign is a tropical contemporary interpretation of a traditional resort along a bay.  It has a lighting component where the letters will be illuminated and are changeable to match the seasons.  It is not just a concrete wall but a modern façade meant to be a “thing of beauty.”

The area will also be landscaped and an irrigation component has been included to ensure the long term stability of this component. To ensure the safety of road users, visible yield signs are being replaced, other safety features include the installation of speed strips and the refreshing of road markings.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 20, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says his Ministry is committed to driving the capacity of Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs) that provide goods and services within the tourism sector. This commitment was underscored at today’s handover of J$350Million to the EXIM Bank from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to facilitate a loan facility for these local suppliers.

This figure represents the final tranche of the total amount provided by TEF to the EXIM Bank.

Speaking at the handover ceremony Minister Bartlett said, “More than 80% of tourism is driven by SMTEs but only 20% of tourism resources go back to them and part of that reason is capacity, the smaller players need to grow, they need to expand. They have ideas and tremendous capabilities but they lack capital.

So to help these small suppliers build the capacity to compete and benefit more from the value change we partnered with the EXIM Bank and put J$1Billion to be on loan to them.”

The loan facility provides for funding to Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises belonging to the areas of gastronomy, small accommodations, shopping network, manufacturing, services, spa and wellness, domestic tours and car rentals.

One of the beneficiaries of the loan scheme, ESB Hotel and Restaurant Supplies highlighted that having accessed a loan through the facility, their business saw a 40% increase in sales in the first year and a 75% increase in the second year.

 “As we are talking to the hotels about utilizing more of the local goods and services provided by our suppliers, we have to build the capacity of our Jamaicans to provide those service so that they have no excuse.

We want our SMTEs to know that the future for demand of supplies for the sector is going to hit the roof as in the next three years we will bring over 7000 new rooms on stream. Jamaica’s tourism is about to experience unprecedented grow but to go there we must take the people with us and to do so we must build their capacity to deliver on these demands,” Minister Bartlett added.

Executive Director of the TEF, Dr Carey Wallace indicated that, “The uptake has been very good and as at November 14, 2018, EXIM received fifty one (51) completed loan applications, totalling J$941.9 million, under the SMTE loan programme.”

In applauding the initiative, Managing Director of the EXIM Bank, Lisa Bell said, “Through this loan facility we have seen transformation of small and medium sized entities across the length and breadth of this country. The numbers say one thing but the actual transformation of an entity, like the doubling of products and expansion of offerings, is where you really see the benefit of the programme.”

The loan supports entities with at least 35% of its revenue derived from Tourism and is offered at a maximum of Twenty Five million (J$25,000,000) and a minimum of Five million (J$5,000,000) at an interest rate of four and a half percent (4.5%) per annum for a maximum term of five (5) years.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; November 19, 2018: Minister of Tourism Hon Edmund Bartlett, Ministry officials and Montego Bay city leaders laid blocks on Saturday (November 17) to symbolize the commencement of a project to create a new welcome sign at the round a bout in the vicinity of the Sangster International airport. The aim is to have the new sign completed in December. The previous sign was destroyed through a motor vehicle accident.

In explaining the importance of the sign, Minster Bartlett in his remarks said, “It is timely and essential as it will speak to the emotions we want to conjure up in our locals and the thousands of visitors that must traverse this area. 

We want all our visitors to have that warm welcome and for us to continue to work even harder that they will feel this welcome through our Jamaican hospitality for which we are known worldwide. The sign will be the first monument they see when entering from the Sangster International Airport and the last when leaving.”

The Tourism Product Development Company Ltd (TPDCo) will execute the project and the Tourism Enhancement Fund will sponsor the project to the tune of Seventeen Million Dollars ($17 M). This development falls within the extension of the Eastern Gateway Project, which is a series of beautification works running west along the Elegant Corridor from Greenwood, to the MBJ Sangster International Airport roundabout.

In closing, Minister Bartlett added that, “In order to attain our 5x5x5 growth targets, and in keeping with one of the aims of the Spruce Up Jamaica programme we must ensure that our resort areas are aesthetically pleasing and that Montego Bay, dubbed the complete resort, has this showpiece.

We will, through this sign, make our visitors feel welcome in every way as we will provide for them a reference point where a great impact can be had. We are truly excited about what this final output will look like and I believe it will be a beacon to be emulated by the rest of the Caribbean.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 17, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett says plans are now underway by his Ministry to develop the parish of St Thomas as Jamaica’s newest tourism destination.

Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday for Lyssons Beach, in the parish, Minister Bartlett said, “We are currently developing the newest destination in Jamaica – St Thomas. Already we have commissioned a tourism development assessment and spent over $30 million, bringing technical and key skilled planners, designers and tourism destination aficionados – people who understand how to build a destination.”

He further noted that, “Tourism development is a means by which we can diversify a local economy, minimise the rural urban drift and drive inclusive and sustainable development.  We can agree that the parish of St Thomas needs this at this time.  In fact, the Government of Jamaica has targeted the parish for special developmental focus and tourism has been selected as a key driver for that development.”

The tourism destination assessment of the parish was done over the past six months to better understand: the current state of tourism in the parish and options the parish has in respect to the development of its tourism sector. They also assessed methods to best focus its product development and marketing strategies to sustainably develop the destination, while also bringing the greatest benefits to the greatest number of residents.

“They are at the verge of delivering the document to us and I want to make it known that the idea of developing this South Eastern Corridor of the country is that of our Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Michael Holness.

The developments relate also to an infrastructure development plan, which is to see the alignment and creation of the new highway arrangement that will connect Kingston to Port Antonio along this corridor. This will open up new areas for development. The responsibility I have as Minister of Tourism, however is to make St Thomas a top-class pristine tourism destination,” said the Minister.

The consultations have been widespread among several related government agencies, the private sector and NGOs, taking into account the views of the citizens and even first time visitors to the parish. 

The research is detailed and ongoing and as the consultants move into the next phase of preparing a Tourism Destination Development and Management plan, it is the Ministry’s hope that it will position St Thomas as a premier tourist destination within Jamaica’s broader structure of tourism as well as upgrade the readiness of St Thomas to ensure a competitive product.

“While the consultants are still in the field, there are recommendations for several themed catalyst projects in St. Thomas that represent tourism business development opportunities that could be attractive to tourism investors and stimulate inclusive social and economic developments in the parish to the benefit of residents,” said the Minister.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 16, 2018: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett yesterday participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the renovated Lyssons Beach in St Thomas.

The beach received a $49 Million upgrade, as part of the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s National Beach Development Programme. The Tourism Product Development Company managed the project, with construction done by M.A.E. Construction Ltd in the first phase and Stone Plus Ltd in the latter.

“St. Thomas is a parish that has immense potential for tourism development and we will continue to examine ways to expand and diversify this most important industry.  I am particularly delighted to be here at Lyssons Beach, with its most scenic tranquil vibe that has attracted many to its location over the years.

This is not about building beaches for tourists. This is about building beaches for the people of Jamaica that tourists will also enjoy,” said the Minister.

The  improvements carried out at Lyssons Beach included renovation of the restrooms, upgrade of the sewage system, construction of five gazebos, construction of a foot bridge and walkways, rehabilitation of the lower driveway and parking area, fabrication of three (3) lifeguard stands, construction of a guard house and an outdoor shower area.

Phase two of the project included the construction of a wooden perimeter fence and the fabrication of a chain link fence for demarcation purposes, construction of seating around the trees on the beach, the establishment of a parking lot and driveway and landscaping to prescribed areas.

“Tourism investments often lead to the development of infrastructure to support the sector.  This is what we have here today at Lyssons.  I am delighted to be in your company and to do the honours of cutting the ribbon to officially declare open the Lyssons Beach. 

I implore the residents of the parish to see it as your own, to treasure it and to be creative in the use of the space so that you can leverage it to bring greater wealth and an improved quality of life,” said Minister Bartlett.

Other beaches improved under the initiative include Marking Stone Beach in St. Mary and Burwood Beach in Trelawny. Work has also been initiated for developments to take place at Salem Beach in Runaway Bay, St Ann. 

Another twelve beaches are in the design phase for this financial year.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 15, 2018:   Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, yesterday (November 14) officially launched the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) new and fully integrated website which will transform its marketing strategies.

The website forms part of the JTB’s overall strategy to compete in the ever- changing global marketplace as well as plans by the management to revolutionize its methods of marketing and promoting Jamaica as a destination.

Speaking at the launch at ATL Automotive in Kingston, Minister Bartlett noted that, “This is a monumental step in our effort to digitally transform the tourism sector. We see the changes globally and are making sure that we keep apace and can respond to the new trends and needs of the market,

Our visitors are technologically savvy and can with the click of a button on their smart devices decide which destination they will go to next. With this powerful website, we will be able to give each visitor a reason to choose Jamaica.”

This new website will host and promote all aspects of the destination and provide real time access and content to tour operators and travel agents globally to be more efficient in selling Jamaica.

Minister Bartlett added that, “This is money well spent and our return on investment will be priceless as Jamaica yet again shows thought leadership in this age of digital transformation,

I am also pleased that our local suppliers will be able to utilize this powerful marketing tool.”

The new site also has added features to segment visitors and personalize content. With personalization, the JTB will be able to obtain data including pages viewed, time spent on the site, bounce rates and goal conversions, which will better help in sharing messages to resonate with every visitor, both from overseas as well as locally.

Director of Tourism, Donovan White, indicated that, “To compete in this new global marketplace, the JTB’s number one strategy will be the use of our new, fully integrated website. We will have predictive capabilities and anticipate our visitors’ needs.”

For more details on the JTB’s website go to www.visitjamaica.com

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 14, 2018:  As part of efforts to reduce littering in municipalities island wide, The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has spent $35million to brand and install 1000 Spruce Up garbage disposal bins. The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Spruce Up’ campaign which seeks to provide a clean and aesthetically appealing environment to increase attractiveness for visitors and businesses in Jamaica’s resort areas.

Speaking at the official handover of the garbage disposal bins yesterday at flag circle in  downtown, Kingston,  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett reiterated the need to safeguard our environment, “Putting trash and rubble around the place impacts the health security of our communities and areas and puts us all at risk with diseases due to unsanitary conditions,

We in tourism are guardians of health security and enabling an environment that is conducive to life and to keep more and more people healthy as part of our overall commitment to a safe, secure and seamless destination.”

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation has received 97 garbage bins and the remaining bins have been installed in most areas across the island.

Minister Bartlett added that, “The enhancement of our township is about our people first and if we get it right and it is clean and appropriate for our Jamaicans then it will be clean and appropriate for the visitors who come,

So Kingston has to get it right and this expenditure will help to build out the capabilities for cleanliness within the communities.”

Executive Director of the TEF, Dr. Carey Wallace said, “We choose Kingston to do the official handing over of the bins primarily because we want everyone to know that we take this parish seriously as in fact a tourist destination,

 We are also quite proud of making this investment but more proud of the partnerships we have created in the many projects we have done and one that is demonstrated is with the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation.”

Mayor of Kingston, His Worship Senator and Councillor Delroy Williams applauded the initiative and thanked the TEF and Ministry of Tourism for their effort to improving the aesthetics of Kingston and St. Andrew.

Environmental safety and beautification is a vital part of the product of the tourism sector.  As such, part of the Ministry of Tourism’s mandate is to make the destination assured and is doing so through partnership with the providers of the services that secure the infrastructure of the country.

 Earlier this year, the Ministry of Tourism, through Spruce Up Jamaica, embarked on a Three Hundred and Forty Million dollar ($340,000,000.00) programme with the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to implement the Tourism Resort Maintenance Programme. The programme will focus on keeping resort areas such as Negril, Montego Bay, Port Antonio, Falmouth, Ocho Rios, Treasure Beach and Kingston clean and sanitary to meet global standards.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 12, 2018: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has been appointed to the board of sitting ministers and appointed public officials, of the newly formed African Tourism Board association.

Bartlett received the appointment while in London, last week, during the official unveiling of the multinational-body at this year’s World Travel Market. The organization, which is part of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners, was developed to promote the hospitality sector in Africa. 

Other members include Hon. Jose Gonçalves, Cape Verde’s Minister of Tourism; Hon. Minister Mahmoud Kombo, Zanzibar’s Minister Information, Tourism and Heritage;  Pascal Viroleau, CEO The Vanilla Islands Organisation; and Hon Dr. Memunatu Pratt, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism & Culture. 

The leadership of the group also includes a number of international travel journalists, as well as leading African travel and tourism companies.

During the unveiling ceremony last Monday, the initiative received endorsement from Former Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Dr. Taleb Rifai and President of the World Travel Awards Graham Cooke.

The African Tourism Board provides aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its members. It aims to enhance the sustainable growth, value, and quality of travel and tourism to-from-and-within Africa.

The association will provide leadership and counsel on an individual and collective basis to its member organizations. It is also expanding on opportunities for marketing, public relations, investments, branding, and promoting and establishing niche markets.

The official launch is scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa next April.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; November 08, 2018: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed deep sadness at the passing of celebrated architect and hotelier, Earl Levy.

“On behalf of all of us in tourism, I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Earl Levy, during this very difficult time,” said Minister Bartlett.

Levy is the mastermind behind the luxurious Trident brand in Portland. He opened the Trident Vacation Villas in the mid-1950s; then later designed the lavish Trident Castle, Hotel & Villas, in the 1980s. Over the years, Trident has received a number of service awards and has played host to a large number of celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Kate Moss, Johnny Depp and Denzel Washington.

He also assisted with the refurbishing of the iconic Devon House attraction in Kingston, as well as designing a number of well-appointed residential properties across the island.

“The contribution that Mr Levy, or the Earl of Portland as he is affectionately called, has made to the tourism industry is significant. He was an outstanding entrepreneur, family man and designer. He will certainly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him,” said the Minister.

Mr Bartlett also noted the influence Levy had in strengthening brand Jamaica through his extraordinary designs.  

“Earl Levy is truly irreplaceable but we take comfort in knowing that the industry will benefit from his contributions for many years to come,” said Minister Bartlett.