Gov’t Preparing Citizens to Seize Opportunities in Tourism

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica has been proactive in preparing its citizens to seize emerging opportunities within the tourism industry.

“We are not complacent; we have been diligently equipping our populace to take advantage of the myriad opportunities, especially in leadership roles,” he told JIS News.

Mr. Bartlett said the Government has introduced a range of innovative educational programmes aimed at enhancing the skills and qualifications of those seeking to fill top-level positions in the sector.

“We recognise that a well-trained workforce is essential for the sustainability and growth of our tourism industry. Our educational programmes are designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel and lead in this dynamic field,” he said.

He noted that the initiatives of the Ministry and its public bodies have demonstrated the transformative power of tourism, creating opportunities for the people and cementing Jamaica’s position as a “first rate and first choice” destination.

He cited the Tourism Product Development Company’s (TPDco) flagship training programme ‘Team Jamaica’ which is equipping tourism professionals with the skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional service to visitors from diverse backgrounds.

“Additionally, TPDCo’s Visitor Safety Experience Unit and the Treat Our Visitors Right Campaign underline our commitment to providing a safe and seamless visitor experience,” he pointed out.

There is also the Tourism Innovation Incubator, established through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), which aims to identify and nurture groundbreaking ideas that can transform Jamaica’s tourism sector.

Minister Bartlett informed that this year the programme received 222 applications, marking a 553 per cent increase from the 34 applications in its inaugural year in 2022.

Turning to the just-concluded Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) observances, the Minister said the occasion provided an opportunity for Jamaica to highlight and showcase the diversity of its tourism product and what the country has been doing in anticipation of an expected tourism boom.

He noted that tourism is not only a crucial economic driver but also a vital connector that brings people together.

“As we celebrated Tourism Awareness Week, our activities were focused on highlighting how tourism transcends borders, nurtures relationships and promotes cultural exchange,” he said.

“In these challenging times, the need for understanding and collaboration among nations has never been more critical,” he added.

TAW was observed from September 22 to 28 under the theme ‘Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love’ and included workshops, seminars, a youth forum and community outreach activities.