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Jamaica's tourism arrivals figures for January to December, 2009 are showing a 3.6 per cent increase over the similar period for 2008. The country welcomed over 1.8 million stop over visitors for the period and, continuing the positive trend into 2010, provisional arrivals figures for January is showing an 8.4 per cent increase over January, 2009. This was disclosed by...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has said that growth can be achieved in tourism even in the worst of recessions, once all citizens are serious and committed to the industry. "A recession does not mean the end of the world. Our thinking then has to be not just 'out of the box' but thinking without any box at all,"...

With over 200 representatives from the Caribbean private sector, government entities and training institutions in attendance, the third Tourism Outlook Seminar, staged at the Ritz Carlton Golf and Spa Resort in Montego Bay from February 1 to 3 has been declared a success. The seminar, organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), was held under the theme: 'Challenges,...

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), will be hosting the third annual Tourism Outlook Seminar, February 2-3, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Montego Bay, St. James. Dubbed 'Challenges, Changes & Opportunities in Tourism: Rising Above the Current Global Economic Landscape', the two-day event will bring together a wide variety of local and...

Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Ian Neita, has stated that his organisation is about the promotion and development of Jamaica's tourism and that funds collected by the group cannot be used for any other purpose. Speaking at a press conference on January 23, at the Mandeville Parish Church in Manchester, to announce plans for the Scout Association...

Stakeholders in the tourism sector were yesterday (January 11) educated about tsunami preparedness and management strategies, as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) staged the first of two earthquake/tsunami workshops. The session, held at Gran Bahia Principe Hotel in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, was part of activities by ODPEM to mark Earthquake Awareness Week from January 9...

When Liberian nationals Edward Neufville and Bahia Akerele chose Jamaica as the destination for their wedding, they had no idea inkling of the pleasant surprise that would await them when they arrived at the Sangster International Airport on Tuesday (Dec. 15). The couple, who reside in the United States, was the first visitors to arrive in the tourist capital for...

A major initiative, involving the Government and a number of agencies, is being pursued to save the Negril beach at the western tip of Jamaica, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has revealed. Mr. Bartlett says that the initiative is aimed at the sustainable re-establishment of the world famous seven-mile stretch of beach. "I am very pleased to tell you...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, officially opened the Old Fort Craft Market, located on Fort Street, Montego Bay, on Wednesday (December 9). The market was extensively refurbished by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to the tune of approximately $12 million. This formed part of the drive by the Ministry of Tourism to improve craft markets across the resort areas...

The Tourism Ministry is working on a deal with German-based tour operator, TUI Travel, which will bring thousands of European visitors to the island over the next three years. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said that the Ministry is expected to sign-off on the agreement in January 2010. According to Mr. Bartlett, the partnership will not only secure a determined...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is optimistic about a surge in arrivals for the upcoming Winter Tourist Season, which gets underway on December 15. He said that the country was able to secure over a million seats for the five-month period, which ends in April 2010. "We are looking into a Winter Season with greater hope and anticipation than last...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has said that tourism earnings for this year could eclipse 2008 figures, despite the global economic recession. Last year, the country earned approximately US$1.6 billion from tourism and Mr. Bartlett is predicting that revenue for this year could total US$2 billion. "Our earnings were trending down earlier this year, largely due to the need...