NEW YORK, New York; June 06, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says the Caribbean needs to look at resilience in the advent of global disruptions such as natural disasters in a new way to ensure recovery and sustainability of the tourism sector.

Speaking at the second annual City Nation Place Americas conference yesterday, Minister Bartlett said, “In the Caribbean we recognize that hurricanes will come but if we haven’t built the capacity to withstand hurricanes and global disruptions such as pandemics, epidemics, cybercrimes and terrorism, there can be no sustainable development in our area.  The conference is being held in New York under the theme ‘Place branding in a crisis: lessons on rebuilding after Hurricane Irma’.

“Resilience therefore means building the capacity to anticipate what will be happening by tracking these disruptions, managing the process when they arrive, and recovering not just in real time, but in Nano time, so as to ensure the stability of the region.”

With the increase in global disruptions and a need to respond effectively and recover swiftly, Minister Bartlett highlighted a need for a mechanism to coordinate these responses on a timely basis. The establishment therefore of a Global Centre for Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management is a direct response to this need. Minister Bartlett said, “The Caribbean will be leading the way with global resilience and capacity building, as the first ever Global Centre for Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management will be housed at the U.W.I, Mona in Jamaica.

“The Centre, which should be launched by January 2019 during Caribbean Market Place and the Global Conference on Small and Medium Sized Tourism Enterprises in Montego Bay, Jamaica, will play an important role in terms of research, monitoring and evaluation as well as training and capacity building, and will help us to respond better each time to these disruptions.”

City Nation Place Americas is the forum for place branding and place marketing for nations, regions, states and cities across the USA, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. 

While in New York Minister Bartlett will also participate in the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) annual Caribbean Week in New York, which will include a CTO Council of Tourism Ministers and Commissioners meeting and the Caribbean Diaspora Forum.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; June 05, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett, will this week share his strategy on creating a cohesive tourism model to increase economic development of the region with fellow Caribbean Tourism Ministers in New York City.

The Minister will make his presentation tomorrow, during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Council of Tourism Ministers and Commissioners meeting, which forms a part of the CTO’s annual Caribbean Week.

“I am going to be presenting the way forward for Caribbean tourism. We are excited about that because it offers a whole new perspective on how we can do more to get more.  The focus of the paper is going to be on value-added. Specifically, how do we enable people from the Caribbean family to benefit more from the fruits of tourism?” said Minister Bartlett.

The Minister also added that it was especially critical for the region’s leaders to consider this approach of increased collaboration, so that they can collectively combat shared threats and risks, while remaining sustainable and competitive in the international market.

“The region can no longer take for granted its coveted position as a premier destination and calls must be repeated for policymakers to strengthen cooperation, expand the region’s market share of international visitors and also make the industry more beneficial to local communities,” he explained.

The CTO’s Caribbean Week is the largest regional tourism activity in the New York area.  This year, the event has attracted over 6000 participants, from over 24 member countries, engaging in a series of regional discussions on the future of the industry.  

“The annual Caribbean Week event, is an opportunity that brings a number of key players of the industry to interface with the Ministers and the heads of tourism boards across the region. The whole purpose of which is to highlight what is new, exciting and different.

“We will look at trends in the market and help the Caribbean to respond to these trends, by benefiting from best practices as demonstrated by some of our partners. So, this week is going to involve discussions and debates, but also an opportunity to review the performance of the industry. As well as how we have managed the industry,” explained the Minister.

During the Week, Minister Bartlett will participate in other important meetings such as the Caribbean Diaspora Forum. He will also join Richard Cutting-Miller of Resonance Consultancy and Hugh Riley, Secretary General & CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) at the second annual City Nation Place Americas conference, for a panel discuss on “Place branding in a crisis: lessons on rebuilding after Hurricane Irma.”

City Nation Place Director Claire Dewhirst also asked the Minister to speak to Jamaica’s response strategy, given the impact that the hurricane had on international perceptions which also affected the island.

During his visit to New York, the Minister is joined by John Lynch, Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB); Donovan White, Director of Tourism; and Fiona Fennell, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at the Ministry of Tourism.   The Minister and his team are expected to return to the island on June 08, 2018. 

KINGSTON, Jamaica; June 04, 2018: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett today presented Destination Assurance Managers from each of the island’s resort areas with satellite phones designed to increase communication during major climatic disruptions and other natural disasters.

Speaking at the official handing over ceremony for the satellite phones, at the Ministry of Tourism’s New Kingston office, the Minister said that, “To ensure that the tourism sector can respond quickly and recover fast is central to the overall economic pattern that Jamaica and the Caribbean must have. Communication is a central part of resilience building and the ability to bring modern high-tech devices to our communications process is essential.”

Minister Bartlett also disclosed that his Ministry would also provide much-needed regional communications support, via the Global Centre for Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management, which will be housed at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus.

The six satellite phones were acquired as part of an overall system designed to improve the interface and dialogue between the Tourism Ministry and its agencies, the Tourism Emergency Operations Centres, the National Emergency Operations Centre, the Tourism Resort Areas as well as tourism partners and stakeholders. 

The Ministry’s Senior Director of Technical Services, David Dobson, who was also at the launch, explained that the satellite phones were acquired based on feedback from tourism stakeholders and disaster managers in 2015, which pointed to the need to enhance the sector’s disaster mitigation and emergency response framework. 

“Previously, we had two-way radios which had a five-mile radius and were not sufficient to cover the entire island. Having received the feedback, we allocated satellite phones that can be used to make calls anywhere in the world even when the network is down. They can also call any kind of phone and provide for faster communication flow,” said Mr Dobson.  

Since 2006, the Ministry has been working in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to mainstream Disaster Risk Management within the tourism sector through its Multi-hazard and Contingency Planning Programme.

As a result of the partnership with ODPEM, the Ministry has created a comprehensive disaster management framework that is managed by the Tourism Emergency Management Committee (TEMC) which advises on, plans and coordinates the management of natural and man-made hazards and emergencies that threaten Jamaica’s tourism industry. 

In expressing his appreciation for the devices, Director General of the ODPEM, Major Clive Davis said, “The Ministry of Tourism is moving beyond the challenge [of communicating during disasters] and is taking proactive steps to strengthen their disaster communications system.”

He also gave his assurance that the national disaster office stands ready to continue to support the development of the programme and provide any required assistance. 

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 28, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced a series of senior appointments to the board of directors of the Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC).

This follows Cabinet approval for the ownership of the MBCC to be transferred from the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) to the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Finance and Public Service.

Tourism stalwart and current Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, John Lynch has been appointed Chairman of the MBCC.  Other members of the board include: Executive Director of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Dr Andrew Spencer; Banker, Andrea Lyle; Restaurateur, Robert Russell and Chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Godfrey Dyer.

A major part of this arrangement is for the Ministry of Tourism to handle the daily management, operation and marketing of the facility.

The Ministry’s proposed plans for the centre include the possible development of the facility to house a hotel on property; creation of retail shops and housing the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation – which just completed its pilot phase with over 150 graduates.

Minister Bartlett also noted that the Montego Bay Convention Centre will continue to play a pivotal role in leveraging Jamaica as the preferred Caribbean destination for the 'Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Events (MICE) market.

Other senior appointments to the MBCC, such as the Executive Director, will be announced at a later date.

The MBCC was first opened in 2011 and has a combined total of 139, 302 square feet of meeting, exhibition and ballroom spaces. It is also a five time recipient of the World Travel Award for being the Caribbean's Leading Meetings and Conference Centre. 

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 26, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett leaves the island tomorrow to participate in the 4th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in Bangkok, Thailand.  While there, the Minister will participate in a cooking demonstration of Jamaican cuisine.

“Thais have expressed that they are excited about the prospect of Jamaica’s Run Down, coming to compete with their Rengdang. While we were talking about the cuisines in South Korea recently, they asked us to look at the two and have a cook-off. So, I agreed on the condition that at the end of the demonstrations we create a new cuisine that is a fusion of both the Rengdang and Run Down, which we can call Jamdang,” said the Minister.

The Minister explained that he first noticed the similarities in the Thai Rengdang and the Jamaican Run Down while at the last UNWTO Gastronomy Forum, which took place in San Sebastian, Spain.

“We saw a cooking presentation from the Thais last year which struck a note. When we looked at the Rengdang closely, we noticed that they used coconut cream to make a sauce for mackerel – similar to the way we prepare Run Down.  So I knew that in Thailand, Jamaica would have to be represented in the presentations,” explained the Minister.

He further noted that the fusion of the two cuisines could create a new market for local manufacturers and culinary experts in the Asian economy.

“I have talked about it with some of our producers here and they are excited about it because it has the potential for us to create a new line of products for a new fusion cuisine that may be popular in Jamaica and Asia – which is the new frontier of wealth and power.  It’s an exciting prospect to have Jamaica inserted in that narrative from a culinary perspective,” said the Minister.

In preparation for the cooking presentation in Thailand, the Minister received lessons from the Executive Chef of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Mark Cole with assistance from Grace Food’s Chef, Andre Sewell.

The Minister received the official invitation to participate in this year’s forum from UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili and the Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, Her Excellency, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul.

The forum is an opportunity for leading experts in gastronomy tourism to discuss currents trends and challenges in the sector, exchange best practices and inspire discussion on intercultural dialogue, gastro diplomacy, and the importance of technology for sustainable gastronomy tourism.

During the forum, the Minister will be joined by Head of the Tourism Linkages Network, Carolyn McDonald-Riley and Head of the Ministry’s Gastronomy Network, Nicola Madden-Grieg.

The Minister is expected to represent Jamaica at the high-level round table discussions on May 30.  While Mrs. Madden-Grieg will give a presentation of successful initiatives and best practices in Gastronomy Tourism at the UNWTO’s member panel discussions, on the following day. 

The theme of this year’s forum is ‘Harnessing the Power of Technology and Community Tourism as drivers for a Positive Global Impact.’ Minister Bartlett explained that his Ministry’s Linkages Network is ‘leading the way in this regard with the development of several gastronomy-themed mobile applications’

“We have embraced gastronomy tourism as one of the driving elements of bringing in more visitors to our destination.  More countries across the world are also moving to Gastronomy Tourism in a very strong way and Jamaica as usual, has to be on the cutting edge. We feel that we can develop it even more, by using more technology,”

While in Thailand, Minister Bartlett will also use the opportunity meet with Asian Ministers regarding Multi-Destination Tourism.   

The Minister and his team are expected to return to the island on June 1, 2018.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 22, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has issued an open call for manufacturers of locally produced corporate gifts to apply for the Tourism Linkages Network’s annual Christmas in July tradeshow, by Friday May 25, 2018.

“Christmas in July is an important initiative which offers support to our very talented local manufacturers. We give them a platform to market their goods which are unique corporate gifts. They will have the opportunity to showcase their goods to key tourism stakeholders, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Diaspora, and Mega-Corporate companies,” said Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

“This year the Tourism Linkages Network will continue to push the envelope, by encouraging the use of more innovative products that will help to ensure that Jamaicans own the consumption side of tourism,” he further stated.  

The event, which is hosted in partnership with Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), seeks to provide Jamaican producers of corporate gifts and souvenir products with the opportunity to access a market segment while adding uniqueness and creativity to product offerings.

Shortlisted applicants from this open call will be invited to attend an assessment session following which an evaluation and final selection will be conducted. 

All products have to be made with materials sourced locally, proven to be at least 70 per cent locally manufactured or assembled highlighting strong Jamaican cultural influences and themes ranked favourably in accordance with the guidelines stipulated.

“The Christmas in July initiative is very crucial in helping my Ministry achieve its target of tackling the leakages in the economy and by extension create inclusive growth by the provision of jobs, which will lead to increased earning, consumption, tax revenues and the ability to better pay our debts,” said the Minister.

Head of the Tourism Linkages Network, Carolyn McDonald-Riley, shared that this year the Network is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this is the most successful event of its kind to date.

“We have revisited the Christmas in July concept this year and are ensuring that innovation is the primary theme. We are heartened by the response so far and are encouraging our local manufacturers to continue to push the envelope with their products,” she said.

The application form is accessible at the Ministry of Tourism’s website at www.mot.gov.jm or its partners’ websites: www.jbdc.net; www.jma.com.jm and www.jamaicatradeandinvest.org.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 22, 2018:  Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says a Tourism Innovation Council will be developed, under the newly restructured Tourism Enhancement Fund, to drive ground-breaking ideas within the industry and to encourage more Jamaicans to become entrepreneurs.

Speaking at a TEF Board of Directors meeting earlier today, the Minister noted that “the board that will drive innovation is now going to change. Instead of there being a board of governance for the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation, I will now have an Innovation Council that will work alongside the Tourism Linkages Council, who I believe are also the drivers of experiential tourism in the island.”

He noted that his Ministry has begun looking at prospects to join the council, who have vast experience in business start-ups and innovation.

“Tourism is not just about what we do to market the destination, but the driving of entrepreneurship, which will play a great role in who we select for this council.  In fact,  a key aspect of the TEF transformation will be to provide entrepreneurs with information to modify their business models as needed, to adapt to new trends in the industry and by extension keep their businesses afloat,” said the Minister.

TEF will focus on developing innovative projects, and enabling iconic attractions to be developed across the island. Within the area of projects, it will also continue its role in ensuring see to the destination enhancement by way of building out the physical infrastructure.

The new model will see TEF expanding to include new divisions such as the Tourism Linkages Network, the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI) and the Craft Development Institute.

“With this new change we have been able to look at more targeted budgeting and at a more careful analysis of our projects and objectives. As a result, we are in a better position to manage and measure the outcomes. So, the budget we prepared this year reflects what we have expended and what we intend to extend,” said the Minister.

In his presentation to the board, he emphasised that TEF needs to look beyond just enhancing the physical beauty of the resort areas but to find more ways to empower the people of Jamaica to own tourism by creating innovative ideas to improve the tourism experience of the island.

“To build the capacity to create new travel experiences is to be able to retain your position on the cutting edge of the marketplace. This board in fulfilling the new mandate  of the TEF, which is now to build capacity and enable our people to do more for themselves and take a more entrepreneurial approach to tourism rather than seeking to be employees of tourism,” he said.

The members of the new innovation council will be announced at a later date.