Approximately 1,500 new jobs are to come on stream in the tourism industry with the opening of two new hotels in Western Jamaica. Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, made the disclosure as he opened the 2024/25 sectoral debate in the House of Representatives on April 30. Mr. Bartlett said that the new positions will result from the completion of more...

Jamaica is working to remove those elements that are considered to foster a negative evaluation of the destination, says Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “We are working also with our diplomatic partners to enable a better understanding of the Jamaican situation, and we are relying heavily now on Jamaica's history of strong, safe and secure experiences,” he noted. Minister...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has highlighted the need for more local supplies to be channeled into the sector to increase the revenue-retention level from the current 40 cents per dollar. Preliminary gross earnings from tourism for fiscal year 2023/24 are estimated at a record US$4.38 billion, reflecting a 9.6 per cent increase compared to 2022/23. Approximately 40 per...

Jamaica’s first ever gastronomy academy is to be established at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, provided details as he opened the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, on Tuesday (April 30). “We are going to be training sous chefs there because we have the best kitchen in the Caribbean...

The Ministry of Tourism is reporting that 9,447 hospitality workers are now registered for the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, made the disclosure as he opened the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on April 30. “They have saved, in the process, $1.2 billion. When added to the $1 billion that we put and...

Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College (SSTC) is expanding its undergraduate programme with the introduction of two new Bachelor of Education degrees as well as a slate of short courses in September 2024. Principal of the institution, Ricardo Bennett, announced the enhanced offerings while addressing the valedictory ceremony for the 48th batch of graduates held on April 25 at Calvary Baptist Church...

Significant steps are being taken to address the housing needs of the tourism workforce. Through the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s partnership with the New Social Housing Programme, $500 million will be allocated to improve housing conditions for tourism workers living in substandard circumstances. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, made the disclosure as he opened the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the...