Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has announced the commencement of training for the first cohort of executive sous-chefs enrolled at Jamaica’s Gastronomy Academy. “We are about to launch, next week, the first Gastronomy Academy in Jamaica. But we are training, already, the first cohort of executive sous-chefs. Six hotels are participating in the programme, and 20 executive sous-chef students are...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Speaking during Wednesday’s (June 18) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Mr. Bartlett emphasised that the symbiotic relationship between development and the environment is undeniable. “Tourism is very, very concerned about this, because the environment is the product, and we have no product if we have a...

The Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) portal generated $100 million in earnings for farmers during the first four months of 2025. The portal is expected to facilitate up to three million kilogrammes of produce this year valued at $450 million. This was disclosed by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, as he made his contribution to the 2025/2026 Sectoral Debate in the...

The Ministry of Tourism is reviewing several pieces of legislation to strengthen growth and development in the sector. Among these is the Jamaica Tourist Board Act, which Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says is now being reviewed by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). “I am pleased to announce that, next week, we will bring to this House… and, indeed, present...

The Government is set to launch a new component of the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), aimed at providing shelter for tourism workers. Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, announced that the Social Housing for Tourism Workers will be launched soon. “We have a budget that will essentially finance the construction of another 100 units for tourism workers,”...

Deputy Executive Chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, John Byles, says that community engagement is very important in the company’s upcoming expansion plans and enhanced tourism offerings in Sandy Bay, Hanover. He said that with the transformation of the tour experience at the facility, there will be an enhanced integration into the surrounding communities by the Chukka Ocean Post attraction. “So,...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says that while it may sometimes go unnoticed, the people of Jamaica remain “the front, centre, and heart” of the tourism industry. Speaking with JIS News following a recent Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) celebratory event at the Hard Rock Hotel in New York, Mr. Bartlett noted that the vibrant relationships forged between Jamaicans and visitors...