Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Dr. Taleb Rifai, says there must be more interconnectedness between visitors and residents of communities, in order to achieve greater community empowerment. He also suggested that there must be a “lowering of the walls between the host communities and the visitors”, in order to achieve that goal. “We cannot continue...

The National Export-Import Bank of Jamaica (EXIM Bank) is reporting that its small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) loan scheme has been a success with strong take-up by players in the sector. The $1-billion facility, launched last September through financing from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), enables industry stakeholders to access between $5 million and $25 million to upgrade and...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says unless the issue of disaster risk management and mitigation is seriously addressed, the Caribbean will not be able to maximise its potential as a global force in tourism. “More than any other time in our past, tourism authorities in the region must now seriously address the issue of disaster risk management and mitigation,”...

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and President of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Danilo Medina Sánchez, were on Monday (November 27) conferred with national honours of their respective countries during a State Luncheon at King’s House. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, conferred the Order of Excellence on President Medina while Prime Minister Holness was...

Jamaica and the Dominican Republic will be increasing collaboration in tourism, trade, sports, culture, and education, among other areas, with the aim of bringing tangible benefits to both countries and the wider region. This followed a meeting between Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and President of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Danilo Medina Sánchez, where they discussed a...

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Tourism Ministry and the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) to facilitate the training of persons involved in the industry. The training will be conducted at the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI) over a three-month period and will provide the first intake of 50 students, arriving in January,...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica will continue to aggressively pursue a multi-destination marketing arrangement with Cuba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, noting that this will inevitably lead to sustainable growth. Mr. Bartlett, who was giving the welcome address at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Global Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Rose Hall, St....