Marking the 41st annual World Tourism Day, The Islands of The Bahamas joins the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the Caribbean Tourism Organization in recognizing the tremendous social and economic impact tourism has on countless individuals around the world. After a year and a half of facing an unprecedented global pandemic, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation remains steadfast in its efforts to provide opportunities and resources to Bahamians across every island and cay to reap the benefits of tourism and is committed to achieving a bright future for The Bahamas and the Caribbean region.

“This year, World Tourism Day has been designated as a day to focus on inclusive growth through tourism, which is quite poignant,” said Deputy Prime Minister The Honorable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “Like many Caribbean destinations, tourism is the heartbeat of The Bahamas and as we say, it is everyone’s business. Our beaches are breathtaking, and the water is so clear you can see it from space, but that is not what defines us. Rather, it is every individual person who shapes the Bahamas experience and stands to benefit from tourism’s success. I am committed to creating jobs and opportunities for all Bahamians and to help our great nation heal.” 

As international travel restrictions begin to ease, spurred by an increase in vaccine accessibility, The Bahamas is well positioned for continued recovery. A rise in scheduled airlift combined with the return of the cruise industry is contributing to a positive increase in visitor numbers, leading to nearly 500,000 visitors over the first six months of the year.

“While we have faced an uphill battle during these unprecedented times, we must stay focused and optimistic as the world begins to reopen,” noted the Deputy Prime Minister. “I join with leaders throughout the Caribbean to elevate the importance of social inclusion, sustainability and smart destinations and businesses. Our beautiful country, and our beloved Caribbean region, will prosper again and continue to progress, as in the words of the motto of The Bahamas:  Forward, Upward, Onward, Together.”

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

On this day each year, Seychelles joins 158 other member states of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in commemorating World Tourism Day. This day highlights the significance of the travel and tourism industry, and also as a day of celebration and reflection.  Under our theme “Shaping our future,” we applaud our people and their contributions.

UNWTO has designated World Tourism Day 2021 as a day to focus on Tourism for Inclusive Growth. Inclusive growth is what we are striving for as we seek to recover from the impact of the pandemic. And it will be driven by tourism. It concerns every one of us, and every Seychellois, every sector of economic activity in our country should be involved in this process. Especially in this “new normal.”

Confronted with the near collapse of our industry, we realized that adaptation to changing circumstances was the key to our survival. We took immense but calculated risks, linking economic recovery and the protection of our people’s and our guests’ health and safety through the launch early in 2021 of a robust and wide-ranging vaccination program against COVID-19, allowing us to boldly open up to the world in March. We are now reaping the dividends of those measures that we took together.

But we should not, and cannot, be complacent. We are not alone in adapting to the new normal. Our competitors are equally aggressive and innovative in their tourism marketing campaigns. In the face of fierce and unrelenting competition, we must continue to offer value for money.  We must ensure that the accommodation and services we offer are up to standard, and even superior to what is accepted and expected. We should focus more on offering a greater degree of authentic and community-based tourism experiences reflective of our brand. Also, and of no less importance, we must continue to stamp out all illegal and underhand practices that undermine our tourism and hospitality industry, and bring disrepute to our image.

On this World Tourism Day, I therefore call for unity, unity within the tourism sector. Because, beyond the statistics, we know that behind each figure concerning this industry, there is an operator, there are women and men. So to raise our tourism industry to higher standards and overcome the challenges ahead, without marginalizing anyone, we must join forces. By all sharing the same vision and the same desire to see tourism prosper, by working especially together, we will emerge triumphant. There is little doubt.

With great admiration for your dedication and passion, we thank you for putting your hearts into our tourism industry.

Today we celebrate you. Happy World Tourism Day!

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, stbnews@seychelles.travel 

Stakeholders from across the tourism sector and civil society gathered at Eden Bleu Hotel for the Green Recovery of Tourism Symposium on Thursday, September 23, to highlight the climate emergency and economic imperative of a green recovery of tourism.

This collaborative initiative between Seychelles’ Department of Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE), and the British High Commission, recognized tourism’s increasing vulnerabilities to the impacts of climate change. The symposium also recognized the sector’s susceptibility to longer-term projections of a decrease in long-haul travel from global travelers, due to the rising concern of carbon impacts of flights. With a considerable dependency on tourism, these issues represent a significant threat to the country’s economy.

Stakeholders from both the private and public sectors shared existing tools and best practices that are currently contributing towards climate adaptation and mitigation efforts within the tourism industry, to inspire more tourism businesses to engage in sustainable development and actively support conservation efforts. These include recognized sustainable certification labels, smart and responsible waste, water and energy management systems used in establishments, turning nature-based solutions to nature-based enterprises, and linking conservation to tourism digitization and marketing development.

In his statement at the symposium, Minister Radegonde mentioned that the events of the last two years have shown us how rapidly the world is changing and how vulnerable tourism is to external factors, especially in a small island state.

“We are also witnessing the rise of the more environmentally conscious traveler, who is increasingly expecting tourism destinations to offer more sustainable tourism options. For example, research shows that a growing number of people plan to fly less for their holidays in order to limit aircraft CO2 emissions and their carbon footprint. In addition, climate activists, have embarked on an aggressive “flight shaming” campaign around the world, particularly in Europe, discouraging long-haul flights. These movements appear to be gaining traction. And they do not bode well for our tourism industry. We find ourselves at a crossroads where we must choose wisely for a sustainable future and, in particular, for nature-based solutions that is a central preoccupation in the run up to COP 26,” said Minister Radegonde.

The symposium also served as an opportunity to shed light on Seychelles’ revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) – with a focus on national tourism commitments – to inform tourism stakeholders of the sector’s vital importance in achieving these goals over the next five to ten years.

A panel discussion on the topic of the “Green Recovery of Tourism; Goals, Opportunities and Needs” also took place in the afternoon. Panelists discussed the scope of job and entrepreneurial opportunities that a green tourism recovery could potentially bring to local communities; the need for a recovery that is inclusive in considering the needs and challenges all tourism stakeholders; how a green recovery contributes to Seychelles’ Blue Economy, and how nature-based tourism can receive funding for long-term conservation programs during moments of crises to the tourism industry, as demonstrated by the ongoing outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic globally.

Participants also reflected on the needs required to achieve a Green Recovery of Tourism – and climate adaptation and mitigation targets – as part of the production of an outcome document. This short document will reflect the purpose of the symposium, and briefly summarize the discussions and reflections made during the event. The document also features a short NDC-based and tourism-focused pledge – to be used as a reference point for future deliberations – which participants will be invited to sign.

Importantly, there was overwhelming consensus amongst participants that Seychelles was well placed to adapt to changing consumer behavior in international travel and be a world leader in sustainable tourism – arguably more than any other destination. The Green Recovery Tourism in Seychelles, as proposed by this Symposium, would therefore turn a significant economic threat, into a long term economic opportunity.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, stbnews@seychelles.travel   

Executives and staff of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation extend a warm welcome to Deputy Prime Minister, the Honorable I. Chester Cooper, who was appointed Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation on September 17, one day after the country’s General Elections. DPM Cooper’s cabinet appointment was among the first portfolios assigned by the new administration of the Progressive Liberal Party, who carried the victory at the polls on September 16, 2021.

Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu stated: “We at the Ministry of Tourism look forward with excitement to working under the new leadership of Minister Cooper, who will bring to our Ministry the wealth of knowledge and experience he has garnered from his lifetime career as a successful leader in the private sector. Minister Cooper’s energy and sharp business acumen are exactly what is needed as our Ministry continues the thrust toward tourism recovery amid an ongoing pandemic.”

Minister Cooper acknowledges that all of the core business in The Bahamas is driven by the international community and that understanding of the international context of business is absolutely critical to the sustainable expansion of The Bahamas’ Tourism, Aviation and Investments sectors. As one who has achieved much success in private sector leadership, Mr. Cooper assumes the helm of the nation’s number one business with an acute awareness of the monumental task that lies ahead. He relishes the opportunity to rise to the challenge in the service of his beloved country.

Minister Cooper is the youngest of 12 and is married to Cecelia Cooper. They are the proud parents of three children.

His early struggles pushed him to be courageous, resilient and humble; qualities which served him well as he climbed the corporate ladder to become Chairman & CEO of BAF Global Group and President & CEO of BAF Financial & Insurance (Bahamas) Ltd.

He was the inaugural Chairman of the Insurance Advisory Committee and founding Director of the Bahamas Venture Fund. He is a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), a Distinguished Toastmaster and serves on various private sector Boards.

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper is the Deputy Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Member of Parliament for the Exumas and Ragged Island constituency.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick, Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

Executives of the world’s largest airline – American Airlines – told Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett and other senior Jamaican tourism officials in a meeting Thursday at their global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, that the island nation will by December see as much as 17 nonstop flights per day, as demand for the destination rises. 

They also pointed out that Jamaica topped the Caribbean among consumers on their expansive American Airlines Vacations platform and confirmed that they will be utilizing their new, large, wide-bodied Boeing 787 planes, on several key routes to Jamaica starting November. 

Bartlett was joined by the Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Senior Strategist in the Tourism Ministry, Delano Seiveright and Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas, Donnie Dawson. They, along with Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Chairman, John Lynch, are holding a series of meetings with a number of travel industry leaders across Jamaica’s largest source markets, the United States and Canada. This is being done to increase arrivals to the destination in the coming weeks and months, as well as, to foster further investment in the local tourism sector. 

The welcome news comes despite slowing global travel demand triggered by the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19. 

In welcome news to Kingston travelers, the airline noted that they will increase the number of daily flights between Kingston and Miami from the current position of one to three by December and also offer three nonstop flights per week between Philadelphia and Kingston. 

The airlines offer nonstop services between Jamaica and the US cities of Miami, Philadelphia, New York JFK, Dallas, Charlotte, Chicago and Boston. 

Media Contact:  

Corporate Communications Division 

Ministry of Tourism  

64 Knutsford Boulevard 

Kingston 5 

Telephone: 920-4924  

Fax: 906-1729 

Or 

Kingsley Roberts 

Senior Director, Corporate Communications 

Ministry of Tourism 

64 Knutsford Boulevard 

Kingston 5 

Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990 

Cell: (876) 505-6118 

Fax: 920-4944 

The Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, its public bodies, and tourism partners, including the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), will be highlighting the important role tourism plays in fostering inclusion and economic growth as they observe Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2021.

This year’s observance will incorporate World Tourism Day, which is marked annually on September 27 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and destinations across the globe. The day will be observed under the theme “Tourism for Inclusive Growth,” which will also serve as the theme for TAW 2021, slated to run from September 26 to October 2.

It will be a celebration of tourism’s ability to drive inclusive development while generating opportunities for many millions across the globe.

According to the UNWTO: “This is an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person…To celebrate tourism’s unique ability to ensure that nobody is left behind as the world begins to open up again and look to the future.”

The week will commence with a virtual church service on Sunday, September 26. Throughout the week, the Ministry and its public bodies will utilize the print and electronic media to highlight several of their initiatives that foster inclusive growth. Other activities include a virtual expo on September 27, virtual concert on October 1, and a youth video competition.

Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett notes the importance of the theme, and shared that his Ministry’s goal, “has always been to create a tourism product where the vast benefits are distributed fairly across society.” He underscored that: “Tourism is as much about the farmer, craft vendor, entertainer, and transportation provider as it is about the hotelier, restauranteur, and attraction operator.”

“Tourism is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries and is a major source of income for many countries. In Jamaica, tourism is our bread and butter. Tourism is the engine of our economy. It creates jobs, attracts foreign investment, drives the development of critical infrastructure, and promotes trade across multiple sectors. More importantly, it promotes inclusive economic growth and social mobility,” he added.

Though the growth of the sector has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hampered global economic activities, Bartlett has stressed that sustainability and inclusivity are crucial to the recovery process.

“The silver lining is that the COVID-19 crisis has provided the opportunity for us to reimagine and rebuild this resilient industry to better achieve this mandate. Sustainability and inclusivity are integral to the recovery process.  Therefore, as we seize the opportunities in the crisis, we are implementing strategic measures to rebuild a product that is safe, equitable and generates economic opportunities for average Jamaicans,” he said.

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Telephone: 920-4924

Fax: 906-1729

Or

Kingsley Roberts

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990

Cell: (876) 505-6118

Fax: 920-4944

Malta, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, is now welcoming digital nomads from non-European countries with a newly launched Nomad Residence Permit intended to give third country nationals, including from the US and Canada, the opportunity to work remotely from Malta for a temporary period. This initiative will be open to COVID-19 vaccinated applicants only.

Malta already hosts a significant digital nomad community, mostly made up of EU nationals who do not require any permits due to freedom of movement.  The new permit is intended to reach new niches beyond Europe, as global mobility continues to rise and gain popularity, post-COVID.

“Malta has jumped on the bandwagon of increased demand for remote working globally, as the pandemic shifted goalposts and new trends are being set,” said Charles Mizzi, Chief Executive Officer of Residency Malta, the government agency that manages the permit.

“Individuals who can work remotely using technology and entrepreneurs with a flair for traveling and discovering new countries and cultures are being made welcome,” continued Mr. Mizzi. “If there are any lessons learnt from the pandemic is that people are willing to move more than ever before. Malta is a country that has much to offer – from its pleasant climate and Mediterranean island lifestyle, to its rich history and heritage, hospitable people, excellent broadband infrastructure and access to world-class health care services. Indeed, nomads will feel right at ease the minute they land here. And with English being an official language and the language for doing business, communicating with locals will prove to be an easy task.”

Those wishing to work from Malta, for a temporary period of up to one year (renewable), must be vaccinated, prove they can work remotely, independent of location. They should either work for an employer registered outside of Malta, conduct business activity for a company registered outside of Malta, and of which they are partners or shareholders; or offer freelance or consulting services to clients whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country. The process is straight-forward and Residency Malta promises an efficient service that discerning nomads expect.

“People are on the move and Malta is capitalizing on this global trend,” said Johann Buttigieg, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority. “Digital nomads are no longer a niche in the tourist market. More and more people with regular jobs who are currently working from home post-COVID are exploring ways of combining this new way of working with mid-term and long-term travel and the discovery of other cultures. We believe this paradigm shift towards working remotely is here to stay, so there is no better time than now for attracting entrepreneurs who wish to migrate temporarily as well as digital nomadic culture vultures on the move across the world. Malta is an ideal destination, a safe, English-speaking cosmopolitan, Mediterranean island. The only tool required is a good laptop to connect to the country’s nation-wide strong broadband infrastructure.”

Proof of Vaccination: Americans and Canadians must use the Verifly app

ABOUT VERIFLY 

VeriFLY is developed and managed by the biometric authentication and identity assurance solutions provider, Daon. VeriFLY offers travelers a secure and simple way to confirm their destination’s COVID-19 requirements. After creating a secure profile on the VeriFLY app, Daon verifies that the customer’s data matches a country’s requirements and displays a simple pass or fail message. This simple message streamlines the check-in and documentation verification process before departure. The app also provides travelers with reminders when their travel window is coming to a close or once their credential has expired. Learn more by visiting daon.com/verify.

More information about Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit may be found at residencymalta.gov.mt/overview.  

About Malta

The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere.  Valletta, built by the proud Knights of St. John, is one of the UNESCO sites and the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. visitmalta.com

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Malta Tourism Authority

Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America

Tel: (212) 213-0944 

Fax: (212) 213-0938 

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com 

MTA US Editorial Contact

The Bradford Group

Gabriela Reyes/Karen Hoffman

Tel: (212) 447-0027 

Fax: (212) 725 8253 

E-mail: VisitMalta@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Southwest Airlines executives on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at their Dallas, Texas, headquarters, informed Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, that their flight operations into Montego Bay in coming weeks and months are very close to 2019 pre-pandemic record levels, signalling increased demand for destination Jamaica by US travelers.

Southwest is one of the largest airlines in the United States and is the world’s largest low-cost carrier airline. It operates non-stop flights between the major US international airports of Houston (Hobby), Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore, Washington, Orlando, Chicago (Midway), St. Louis, and Montego Bay.

The Minister was joined in the meeting by Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Senior Strategist in the Tourism Ministry, Delano Seiveright; and Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas, Donnie Dawson. They are holding a series of meetings with a wide range of travel industry leaders across Jamaica’s largest source markets, the United States and Canada, to increase arrivals to the destination in coming weeks and months as well as foster further investment in the tourism sector.

Bartlett detailed Jamaica’s successful reopening last year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the establishment of the Resilient Corridors, globally recognized as COVID safe for visitors and Jamaicans alike, and the importance of the strong partnership between Jamaica and Southwest Airlines in growing the nation’s tourism sector in these difficult times.

Southwest’s, Senior Director for Strategic Planning & Airline Partnerships, Steven Swan, noted that Jamaica has been “thoughtful,” “clear,” “easy to communicate with,” and boasts “good load factors.” The airline’s executives also noted that while the Delta variant of COVID-19 has caused a “dip” in domestic and international travel demand, they continue to perform well and are very confident about future growth. 

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Telephone: 920-4924,

Fax: 906-1729

Or

Kingsley Roberts

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990

Cell: (876) 505-6118

Fax: 920-4944

Jamaica Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, along with other senior tourism officials, will be participating in a series of meetings in the island’s two largest source markets, the United States and Canada, beginning tomorrow, in an effort to increase arrivals to the destination as well as foster further investment in the tourism sector.

Bartlett noted that the trip is critical, as data received by the Ministry indicate that the demand for travel to Jamaica has fallen within the last 7 days. He believes that “this is as a result of the challenges posed by the third wave of COVID-19 impacting the island, as well as, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent Level 4 classification, given to Jamaica for having very high levels of COVID-19.”

“Jamaica remains a safe destination and we want to reassure our tourism interests of this. A key factor is our Tourism Resilience Corridors, which have a low infection rate of less than 1%. Our product remains strong and is indeed top of mind, despite the challenges. We will therefore continue to drive the marketing arrangements to minimize any possible fallout,” said Bartlett.

A series of meetings have been planned to engage tourism partners, media and other stakeholders in the USA and Canada, to reassure and bolster confidence in their continued investment projects and the marketing of the destination. 

The Minister, who left the island today, along with the Director of Tourism, Donovan White; Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, John Lynch, as well as Senior Strategist in the Tourism Ministry, Delano Seiveright, will meet with major tourism investors. 

While in the United States, the team of tourism officials are also scheduled to meet with executives from American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. They will also meet with officials from major cruise-lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival as well as executives from Expedia, Inc., the largest online travel agency in the world, the third largest travel company in the US, and the fourth largest travel company in the world.

Other meetings in Canada will focus on marketing and will span all key partners including airlines, such as Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, Transat and Swoop. Likewise, they will meet with tour operators, tourism investors, trade and mainstream media and key Diaspora stakeholders.

“We want to assure our partners, and our visitors that we are doing all that we can to ensure that their visit to the island will indeed be a safe one. Our protocols are in place to ensure that you will be able to visit our attractions and have an authentic Jamaican experience, but in a safe and seamless way,” he said.

“We have been ramping up efforts to ensure that our tourism workers are fully vaccinated and have seen much success from this initiative.  Therefore, you can rest assured that visitors are in a safe environment. In fact our safety standards and protocols are highly celebrated worldwide and were key to us being able to welcome over 1 million visitors since we reopened our borders,” said Bartlett.

Minister Bartlett and the other members of the team are slated to return to Jamaica on October 3, 2021.

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Telephone: 920-4924,

Fax: 906-1729

Or

Kingsley Roberts

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990

Cell: (876) 505-6118

Fax: 920-4944

Jamaica Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett is lauding the South Coast’s renowned resort complex, Jakes Hotel and Jack Sprat, on achieving 100 percent staff take up of both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

They are the first and only establishment in Jamaica so far to have accomplished this under the tourism vaccination initiative of the Ministry of Tourism and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association working in tandem with the Private Sector Vaccination Initiative.

In hailing Jakes and its staff, Minister Bartlett said, “I commend Jakes for setting the pace in the drive to get all tourism workers vaccinated. The tourism industry is on the rebound globally and travelers are looking for COVID-safe destinations for their travel experiences. If we are to achieve maximum returns our tourism workers must demonstrate their commitment to protecting themselves, their co-workers, their families and our visitors by taking the lifesaving vaccine.”

Other establishments on the South Coast participating in the vaccination initiative are said to be at levels between 40 and 70 percent, mostly with a first of two dose vaccines.

In highlighting the “Jakes Family” accomplishment, Jason Henzell, Chairman of Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa said: “We are proud of our staff of 125 persons achieving this milestone. Jakes strives to be a good steward of community tourism, knowing that the health and safety of our staff and guests, as well as the wider community of Treasure Beach, and in fact Jamaica and the world as a whole, are of great importance to us as a resort destination.”

Relating how it was accomplished, Mr. Henzell said it was by doing “whatever it takes and meeting them wherever” they feel comfortable. “We’ve been spending a lot of time with our staff with regards to educating them on the history of vaccination in Jamaica and the efficacy of each of the COVID-19 vaccines. We arranged for them to meet with doctors, making appointments for them, arranging transportation and even picking them up at their houses, some of them in my own car,” he disclosed.

Mr. Henzell also underlined the importance of being empathetic, as shaming persons would only serve to push them away. He was pleased that adopting a caring, understanding approach worked, adding: “We’re very proud and we think it will mean a lot to the travel trade.” 

Regarding the national drive to get tourism workers vaccinated, Mr. Henzell said: “A lot boils down to trust, not rushing them through the process and giving them any reason to feel intimidated.” He added: “If we are to follow all of the research and all the statistics that have been published, becoming vaccinated gives you a much higher success rate of getting through terrible days of COVID if you become infected, so I strongly suggest that you consider the vaccine and even speak to your doctor about which one might be best suited for you.”

 Media Contact: 

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism 

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Telephone: 920-4924, 

Fax: 906-1729

Or

Kingsley Roberts

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990

Cell: (876) 505-6118

Fax: 920-4944