The Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI) was conceptualised and established out of the need to pivot the sector from a casual labour industry to one that is more professional, according to Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.   “Casual labour is difficult to classify, it’s difficult to certify, it’s difficult to remunerate and it causes industrial disruptions, as people don’t have...

Cruise passengers from around the world got the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture when the “Disney Treasure” cruise vessel made its inaugural call at the historic town of Falmouth on Thursday (December 5). Nan Dikesh from Mauritius, who told JIS News that he had fulfilled a lifelong dream of sailing with Disney, said it was his first...

The ‘Disney Treasure’ made its inaugural call at the Port of Falmouth in Trelawny on Thursday (December 5), marking a significant milestone for both the cruise line and Jamaica’s tourism industry. The occasion was marked with much fanfare by local and foreign stakeholders, highlighting Jamaica’s growing prominence in the sector, which has already welcomed more than 1.1 million cruise passengers....

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, welcomed the inaugural LATAM Airlines flight from Lima, Peru, to the Sangster International Airport in St. James on December 1, noting that it is a sign of bigger things to come. Mr. Bartlett, who was present for the flight's arrival, alongside a delegation of government officials and tourism executives, said that this is just...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has highlighted the significant role of craft traders and artisans in the success of the local tourism sector. “Visitors don’t just come solely for our beaches and music; they come for the Jamaican experience, and craft plays a huge role in delivering that authenticity. From hand-carved wooden sculptures and basketry to intricate beadwork and...

The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) will honour three local artisans at this year’s staging of the ‘Craft with a Difference’ event, for their contributions to Jamaica’s economic and cultural landscape. The honourees are Sculptor, Scheed Cole, from Sculptural Elements and Construction and 360 Recycle Manufacturing, along with husband and wife, Tamika and Ian Williams of Ahh… Ras Natango Gallery...

Jamaica and the Philippines Explore Signing MOU on Tourism Collaboration Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, was awarded the prestigious Gusi Peace Prize in Manila on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the global tourism industry. This distinguished accolade, often referred to as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize, celebrates excellence in various fields,...