The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is celebrating its landmark 70th anniversary this month with a series of events and activities across the island to commemorate its history and accomplishments of advancing Jamaica as a leading Caribbean travel destination.
Founded on April 1, 1955, the Board’s festivities kick off on April 6th with a commemorative church service and will continue with an Anniversary Awards Gala, which will highlight the contributions of former employees.

The occasion will also be marked by a 70th anniversary documentary and a virtual online exhibition by the Clive Taffe library that showcases the organization’s history and success, exploring the Board’s promotional campaigns from 1955 to the present day with vintage advertising posters, commercials, and marketing. The Board will also have special engagements with the Tourism Action Clubs, a program designed by the organization to educate secondary and tertiary students about tourism and its importance to Jamaica’s economy.
“Jamaica was an emerging island destination when the Jamaica Tourist Board was first established, welcoming just over 100,000 visitors annually,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica.
“By the end of 2025, we anticipate welcoming nearly 5 million visitors—a remarkable achievement that speaks to the unwavering dedication of the Jamaican people across generations.”
“We have seen unprecedented growth in our investments, infrastructure and earnings and I thank our workers and partners for their hard work and passion that have transformed Jamaica into a global tourism powerhouse.”

Since its founding, the JTB has been committed to showcasing Jamaica’s beauty, culture, and warm hospitality to travellers worldwide. Its efforts have helped establish the island as a premier Caribbean destination, attracting millions of visitors each year and driving significant economic growth for its people.
“As we proudly celebrate 70 years of the Jamaica Tourist Board, we are inspired to build upon our incredible legacy and shape an even brighter future,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “We are also leveraging digital innovations, targeted campaigns, and strategic partnerships to drive even greater awareness and demand worldwide. This marks the beginning of a new era for Jamaican tourism, and we are committed to its continued growth.”
For more information on visiting Jamaica, go to visitjamaica.com.
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The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.
Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.
Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at visitjamaica.com/blog/.
SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (centre) discussed airport operation with Jennifer Griffith (right), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Sitara English-Byfield, Chief Executive Officer of PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), ahead of the staff appreciation breakfast at the Norman Manley International Airport on December 18, 2024.
Media Contact:
Kiwayne Jacobs
Jamaica Tourist Board
kjacobs@visitjamaica.com