Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of prominent Montego Bay businessman and close friend, Robert ‘Ducksie’ Russell. Russell, a visionary entrepreneur and pillar of the Jamaican tourism and entertainment industries, passed away last evening. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Robert Russell,” Minister Bartlett said. “He was a...

Small farmers have, so far, generated sales totalling nearly $400 million via the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) platform in 2024. This was disclosed by Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who noted that this out-turn resulted from trading between the farmers and hotels, describing this as being “very significant”. Noting that close to $1 billion was generated via the ALEX platform last...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says that technology has the potential to transform the local tourism landscape creating more enriching experiences for visitors. “Imagine a future where our tourism industry is enhanced by cutting-edge technology, where visitors experience Jamaica not just through our beaches and resorts but through powerful digital experiences,” he said. “This is the future we are...

Disney Cruise Line’s Regional Public Affairs Director for The Bahamas and the Caribbean, Joseph Gaskin, says the entity is fully committed to playing an even bigger role in Jamaica’s cruise shipping future. Speaking with JIS News during the inaugural visit of the company’s flagship vessel, the ‘Disney Treasure’, the sixth in the fleet of luxury liners, Mr. Gaskin said the...

Disney Cruise Line has launched the ‘Treasure Tomorrow’ Programme in Jamaica, in a bid to make a significant commitment to community engagement locally. The initiative, developed in collaboration with Junior Achievement Jamaica, focuses on providing career exploration opportunities for Jamaican students, particularly those living in and around the town of Falmouth in Trelawny. It is intended to strengthen the connection...

The 2024/25 winter tourist season, which begins on December 15, promises to be “very good” for Jamaica, according to Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “We have improved bookings and airlift. In fact, out of the United States, we have 70,000 more seats than we did the last year,” he told JIS News. The Minister further informed that 45,000 additional seats...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the newly established artisan village in Falmouth, Trelawny, continues to play its role as a transformative initiative that is revitalising the town and boosting its appeal to visitors. Speaking to JIS News on December 5 at the Falmouth Pier, during the inaugural cruise ship visit of the Disney Treasure, Mr. Bartlett said that...