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Jamaica is well positioned within the global tourism marketplace, and has nothing to fear from Cuba being opened up as a major tourist destination, said Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett. He was addressing local and international media personnel attending Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) 2009, at a press luncheon held yesterday (May 12) at the Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay,...

Despite a downturn in tourist arrivals in some countries, Jamaica ended the year 2008 with a four per cent growth over the previous year. This growth has continued into 2009, with the arrival figure for January to April 2009 also showing an increase over the similar period for 2008. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, reported the increase at the...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is upbeat about the prospects for the local tourism industry from his recent promotional trip to South America. "The Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and Director of Tourism, John Lynch, and I went on quite a trip in South America and we are pleased that the result is powerful, effective and forthcoming...

Thanks to research completed by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, a new tool to measure the tourist industry's contribution to the economy, has now been developed. Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding says the completed task was presented to him two weeks ago and will soon be fully reported to the public. Called the Tourism Satellite Account, this new tool...

Hundreds of overseas buyers and local suppliers in the tourism sector are meeting at the Ritz Carlton Golf and Spa Resort, in St. James, from May 11 to 13 for the 19th staging of Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX). The annual event offers the ideal forum for leading suppliers of the Jamaica tourism product to meet with travel wholesalers and tour...

Described by her colleagues as a shining star, a true gem, an extraordinary individual, it came as no surprise that Fiona Hartley emerged winner of the National Tourism Service Excellence Awards. The pleasant, high-spirited room attendant from Beaches Boscobel Resort and Golf Club holds the distinction of being the first person to receive this award, presented to her at the...

Opposition Spokesperson on Finance, Dr. Omar Davies, has suggested that the Government transfer $3 billion from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and the Universal Access Fund (UAF) to finance programmes to stimulate the economy. "With particular reference to the TEF, it is inconsistent that whilst this Fund has a balance of over $4 billion, the squatter communities surrounding our two...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has urged all Jamaicans to come together in a concerted effort, to preserve and protect the tourism industry, the largest contributor of foreign exchange, employing more than 80,000 persons, directly. Giving the main address at the inaugural Tourism Service Excellence Awards function, held at the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, in Montego...

The Ministry of Tourism successfully staged its prestigious inaugural Tourism Service Excellence Awards ceremony at the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay St. James on April 25. Several individuals and organisations were recognised and rewarded for their consistent delivery of high-quality customer service throughout the industry. The Tourism Service Excellence Programme, which is the brainchild of...

A church service is to be held in Miramar, Florida, on Sunday, April 26, to mark the 40th anniversary of Air Jamaica's first flight. Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, will join Jamaica's Consul-General in Miami, Sandra Grant Griffiths, Air Jamaica Executives, Jamaican nationals, and friends in the Diaspora for the occasion. The thanksgiving service will be held at Christway Baptist...

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, took the issue of the planned increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD) to British Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the House of Lords in London this week. Mr. Bartlett, who was guest speaker at the Caribbean Council's annual Parliamentary reception held at the House of Lords at Westminster, charged that the increase in...

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, is encouraging young people to take up jobs in the tourism industry. The Minister, who was addressing the inaugural Tourism Youth Expo and Career Fair held last Wednesday (April 8) at the Ritz Carlton Resort in Montego Bay, said that tourism was a viable career option, and efforts would be made to guide the youth...