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Director General, Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry, speaking during the PIOJ’s semi-virtual quarterly media briefing on Tuesday (May 30).
Director General, Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry, speaking during the PIOJ’s semi-virtual quarterly media briefing on Tuesday (May 30).

Increase in Tourist Arrivals and Spending

Preliminary data for January and February 2023 show an increase in visitor arrivals and expenditure, relative to the corresponding period last year. Director General for the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry, said that stopover arrivals rose by...
The late Alvin Dickie Butler poses with his Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Award.
The late Alvin Dickie Butler poses with his Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Award.

Portland’s Best Kept Secret Owner Was True Ambassador – Minister Bartlett
Passengers arriving at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James, May 22, aboard Frontier Airlines inaugural flight from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Dallas, Texas, USA. They are being greeted by executive members of MBJ Limited, among other tourism stakeholders.
Passengers arriving at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James, May 22, aboard Frontier Airlines inaugural flight from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Dallas, Texas, USA. They are being greeted by executive members of MBJ Limited, among other tourism stakeholders.

Outstanding 2023 Summer Tourist Season Anticipated for Jamaica
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, addresses the official opening ceremony for the new Sandals Dunn’s River Hotel in St. Ann, on May 19.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, addresses the official opening ceremony for the new Sandals Dunn’s River Hotel in St. Ann, on May 19.

Tourism Ministry Taking Steps to Realise Summer Visitor Projections
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right), enjoys a light moment during the ceremony for the opening of the Sandals Dunn’s River Hotel in Mammee Bay, St. Ann on May 19. Sharing the moment are Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves (left) and Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart.
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right), enjoys a light moment during the ceremony for the opening of the Sandals Dunn’s River Hotel in Mammee Bay, St. Ann on May 19. Sharing the moment are Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves (left) and Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart.

Sandals Dunn’s River A Tribute to Butch Stewart – PM

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Visual artist, Bonito “Don Dada” Thompson (standing), presented his pieces to a panel of judges during a previous assessment session for the ‘Christmas in July’ trade show. The trade show is an opportunity for local producers of gifts and souvenir items to promote their products to alternative market segments.
Tourism

Application Deadline for ‘Christmas in July’ Trade Show Is May 26

Manufacturers and artisans looking to participate in the 2023 edition of the ‘Christmas in July’ trade show have until Friday, May 26 at 5:00 p.m. to submit their applications. The application form can be accessed on the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) website at www.tef.gov.jm. The trade show provides an opportunity for local producers of gifts and souvenir items to promote...
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Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (second left), shakes hands with President-elect of the Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (CARAIFA), Hugh Meredith (third right), on arrival at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, Montego Bay, on May 14, for the Association’s Hall of Fame Induction dinner to kick-start their 34th Sales Congress. Others looking on are (from left) Congress Director, Monica Robotham; outgoing President of CARAIFA, Alicia Birch; Secretary General, Marcella Fenton and President of the Jamaica Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Triola Harper-Smith.
Tourism

Caribbean Leaders Interested in Adopting Tourism Workers Pension Scheme

Jamaica’s groundbreaking Tourism Workers Pension Scheme could become a model for other Caribbean countries, following interest shown by some regional leaders in adopting the initiative. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said that regional heads attending the 41st Caribbean Travel Marketplace held recently in Barbados were “very receptive” to the idea, especially since it has already been successfully implemented in...
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Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is welcomed by Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (CARAIFA) President, Alicia Birch (centre) and Congress Director, Monica Robotham, at CARAIFA’s 34th Annual Sales Congress and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel, Montego Bay, St. James, on May 14.
Tourism

Speedy Recovery of Tourism the Result of Collaboration – Minister

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Caribbean’s speedy post-COVID-19 tourism recovery is a result of an inclusive “all on board” approach, which sees the region enjoying record numbers in both arrivals and earnings. Delivering the main address at the Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (CARAIFA) 34th Annual Sales Congress and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at...
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Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett addressing media at a destination press briefing held at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s (CHTA’s) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados.
Tourism

Minister of Tourism Announces One Million Visitor Arrivals to Date For 2023

At a destination press briefing held at the 41st Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados, Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett announced that Jamaica has surpassed one million visitor arrivals year-to-date for 2023, reaching this milestone approximately one month earlier than in 2022. He also updated attending media on Jamaica’s robust tourism arrivals, investments...
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Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left), is with Co-Founder of Karisma Hotels and Resorts, Lubo Krstajic (centre), and Director of Tourism, Donovan White at the Arabian Travel Market tradeshow in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on May 3.
Tourism

Gov’t Building Capacity of Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises to Earn More

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Government is focussed on ensuring that small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) can command a larger share of the tourism dollar. “We are prioritising by creating strategic policies, programmes and initiatives that can aid in building the resilience and increasing the capacity of local SMTEs to earn more,” he noted. Minister Bartlett...
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Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right), converses with the owner of Floyd’s Pelican Bar in St. Elizabeth, Delroy Forbes, during a Destination Assurance tour visit to the attraction on April 28.
Tourism

Jamaica’s South Coast Deemed A ‘Phenomenal’ Destination for Travellers

Jamaica’s south coast tourism offerings and experience are becoming increasingly diverse and expansive. This, according to Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who says the region has undergone significant development and transformation over the years to become a “phenomenal” destination for travellers’ seeking warm hospitality as well as an authentic Jamaican experience. He was addressing journalists following a Destination Assurance tour...
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Newly appointed Deputy Director of Tourism (Acting), Jamaica Tourist Board, Philip Rose.
Tourism

JTB Appoints New Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has appointed Philip Rose to serve as its Deputy Director of Tourism (Acting) for the Americas, with responsibility for the United States (US), Caribbean and Latin America. The appointment took effect on April 1, 2023. Commenting on the appointment, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said that Mr. Rose has a long history working in...
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