The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has welcomed the twinning of the parish of Westmoreland with Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Denzil Thorpe said “great things” are expected from the arrangement. “The Ministry is indeed pleased about this partnership between the Westmoreland Parish Council and Tottori Prefecture. We are in full support of what has...

Some 90 local producers of authentic Jamaican gift and souvenir items will be showcasing their products and networking with corporate entities and various industry players at the second staging of ‘Christmas in July’. The event, hosted by the Tourism Linkages Network and its partners, is slated for July 28 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, in New Kingston. It will showcase...

Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook says the twinning of Westmoreland with the city of Tottori Prefecture in Japan will assist the push to get more Japanese tourists to visit Jamaica. “The Japanese market remains a priority for Jamaica. In my visit to Tokyo in May, I met with a number of travel partners and airline companies to further develop packages...

Brand Jamaica is expected to be further bolstered through an ongoing initiative to promote the country’s tourism product, during the staging of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This will be done through ‘Jamaica House Rio’, a hospitality hub to be set up at Prado Jockey Club near the Olympic Stadium, where patrons from around the world will get...

The Tourism Ministry will be increasing access to funding for local artisans through partnerships with local financial institutions. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Ministry is in discussions with the EXIM Bank, which will lead to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) soon. The MOU will enable the provision of $500 million for small and medium...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Ministry is aiming to cut the massive number of imported art and craft items, by empowering Jamaican artisans. Addressing a Craft Enhancement Project Recognition and Awards ceremony on July 12, at the New Kingston Business Centre, the Minister said the Government will be placing more emphasis on the development of the creative...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica will be doing away with visa requirements for a number of Latin American countries, in an effort to attract more visitors from that region. The Minister added that Poland and a few other European countries will also receive exemptions. Mr. Bartlett was speaking to JIS News, following a meeting with tourism industry...