The Government has rescinded its approval for the sale of 96.5 acres of land at a section of the Success Estate in Rose Hall, St. James, known as North Estate, to Celebrate Jamaica Limited for US$40.1 million. According to Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, this resulted from the entity’s failure to execute certain prerequisites for the property’s development as an...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has hailed the Tourism Product Development Company Ltd (TPDCo) for its critical role in the advancement of the nation’s tourism sector. He said the entity continues to be a custodian of integrity and quality advancing the reputational value of the industry. “TPDCo stands in the gap between the promise made to the (tourists) in the...

Jamaica generated US$1.46 billion in tourism earnings during the first six months of the 2017 calendar year to record an impressive 7.5 per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2016. Additionally, the country welcomed 2,165,330 visitors up to the end of June this year, which was 3.9 per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2016. These included 1,186,646...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says the establishment of Destination Assurance Committees (DACs) in resort areas, will ensure high-quality standards in the delivery of the country’s tourism product. Speaking at the first meeting of the Negril Destination Assurance Committee held at the Couples Swept Sway Resort in Negril, on Thursday (July 13), Minister Bartlett said Jamaica’s tourism product must be...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Caribbean needs to take a serious look at health security, which, he noted, is a critical area for the continued growth and development of tourism in the region. “Health is such a key part of that chain of connection to secure the integrity and reputation of the destination and also earn a large...

Three entities have signed a contract for the completion of a business case plan for the establishment of a Craft Development Institute (CDI) in St. Ann’s Bay. They are Zyacom Limited, the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), and the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA). Zyacom Limited is expected to produce the plan at the end...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica can learn from Spain’s ability to retain the tourist dollar as well as its ability to maintain certain linkages within the industry. Mr. Bartlett noted that Jamaica must be able to absorb the demands of tourism, as well as provide the necessary inputs of the sector, such as those from agriculture and manufacturing,...