Minister Edmund Bartlett News
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Receives Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award
Jamaica’s Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has been acknowledged with the Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award at the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day 2026, held at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on February 17, 2026.
Jamaica Exits FITUR 2026 with Accelerated Recovery and New Investment Momentum
Jamaica closed three days of engagements at FITUR 2026 with measurable momentum behind its tourism rebound: stronger alignment with major hotel partners to speed up reopening timelines, deeper coordination with key airlift and marketing partners, and expanding investor interest in aviation and destination development. The week’s most significant outcome came on Day 3 of the international tourism tradeshow held in Madrid, Spain, when UN Tourism named Jamaica as the Tourism Resilience Hub of the world — a global endorsement of the country’s leadership in crisis readiness and recovery.
Workers Lead Tourism Recovery as Sector Officially Reopens on December 15
With 70 percent of the island’s tourism assets ready for today’s December 15 official reopening of the tourism sector, following the impact of hurricane Melissa, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is crediting the indomitable spirit of tourism workers for making it happen, noting that “the recovery cannot be complete without the workers of our industry.”
Montego Bay on Track for December 15 Reopening as Tourism Earnings Hit US$2.9 Billion
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett wrapped up a recent Tourism Recovery Tour of Montego Bay with news that despite the impact of Hurricane Melissa last month, the destination area is on target to officially reopen for business on December 15, 2025. The announcement comes as Minister Bartlett also revealed that since the start of 2025 the sector has recorded tourism earnings of US$2.9 billion.
“The Best Way to Support Us Is to Visit Us”: Jamaica’s Minister Edmund Bartlett on Resilience
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaica has shown once again why it is considered one of the most resilient tourism destinations in the world. Heavy rains and localized flooding affected some communities, but the island’s spirit, infrastructure, and tourism industry have remained firmly intact. In a widely viewed FOX News interview, Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett delivered a clear and powerful message to global travellers: “The best way to support us is to visit us.”