PM Commends Minister Bartlett on World Travel Awards Honour

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is commending Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett for being recognised as the Caribbean’s Leading Personality for Outstanding Services to Tourism by the World Travel Awards.

Addressing the post-awards ceremony at the Melia Braco Village in Rio Bueno, Trelawny, on September 18, the Prime Minister described Mr. Bartlett as “one of the most passionate tourism minds”, saying his knowledge of the sector, both locally and globally, is second to none.

“I like to call him Mr. Tourism,” the Prime Minister noted.

“This is a man, who lives and breathes tourism…it is a subject that he truly loves. If you have the opportunity to sit on a flight from Kingston to London in the company of Ed, I can assure you that on reaching London you would have gained your PhD.  Such is his knowledge and passion about tourism,” he said.

Mr. Bartlett, on September 17, was presented with the award at the 23^rd annual World Travel Awards Ceremony at the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.

The Prime Minister said having a Minister of Mr. Bartlett’s calibre at the helm of an important sector such as tourism bodes well for Jamaica and the many workers that are employed throughout the industry.

“What the Minister tells me is that we have not yet scratched the service and growth of tourism expansion in Jamaica,” Mr. Holness said.

“All the indicators are pointing to the fact that when the tourism engine is fully turned on then we will indeed become unstoppable. That is also the assurance I have received from my Minister,” he noted.

For his part, Mr. Bartlett said that while he is grateful for the recognition “this is an award for the people of Jamaica and all the wonderful people I have working at the Ministry of Tourism”.

Mr. Bartlett, who also chairs the Board of Affiliate Members of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said Jamaica’s main asset is its people and “as long as the people continue to be an integral part of the decision-making process, tourism will always have a bright and sustainable future.”

The World Travel Awards, considered the Academy and Grammy Awards of the travel industry, was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

President and Founder of the Awards, Graham Cooke, describes Minister Bartlett as a trailblazer, who embodies all that is right within the tourism industry.

“He has set the standards we continue to emulate and celebrate…truly a remarkable man who is deserving of this award and all the accolades that have been coming his way,” he noted.