Jamaica’s Junior Minister of Tourism Showcases Skills

Deja Bremmer Junior Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, displayed her passion, skill, and impressive knowledge of the industry at the 19th Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Regional Tourism Youth Conference that took place in Turks & Caicos on Friday, October 13.

“It is extremely important that we encourage and educate the youth about tourism,” said the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “They are the future of our industry as they will be the next generation of our Ministers, Directors and hospitality professionals who will be driving and shaping the industry. Our success in years ahead is in their hands, so it is our honor and privilege to support their efforts with events like Youth Conference.”

CTO’s Caribbean Youth Tourism Conference invites students between the ages of 14 and 17 to research various tourism pillars throughout the sector and present their ideas to support the future of tourism in their respective countries in front of a panel of judges. Fourteen CTO member counties participated in the 2023 congress, chaired by the 2022 winner, J’nae Brathwaite of Tobago. Each Junior Minister was required to present on three topics including ‘Wellness Tourism Beyond the Norm,’ ‘Accessibility Tourism,’ and ‘Building a Resilient and Sustainable Tourism Workforce’ and a closing “mystery” topic. The youth congress gives the younger generation of future tourism delegations the opportunity to not only network with leaders in the Caribbean tourism sector, but also meet likeminded peers.

“I’m so pleased to see Jamaica’s own Jr. Minister of Tourism participate in the Youth Congress and share her ideas about how we can build on and enhance our destination’s tourism product.”

Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, added, “Having earned the right to represent her county, over many other young Jamaicans, we’re very proud of what she has accomplished so far and look forward to all that she will do in the future.”

During her presentation, Bremmer discussed the importance of tourism in Jamaica as it is it the largest generator of foreign exchange and a top driver for the island’s economy. She also discussed the importance of training high school and university students to participate the tourism industry. Answering the mystery question about what activity or attraction she would like to see promoted for her home country, Bremmer keenly replied without hesitation, “Located on the ‘western’ end of the island is the Blue Hole mineral springs. This attraction is only 5 minutes away from my house, so I have personally witnessed its marvels.”

For more information about Jamaica, please visit www.visitjamaica.com.

ABOUT JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

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 Germany and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Spain, Italy, Mumbai and Tokyo.

In 2022, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination,’ ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Wedding Destination’ by the World Travel Awards, which also named it the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 15th consecutive year; and the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination’ for the 17th consecutive year; as well as the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination’ and the ‘Caribbean’s Best Adventure Tourism Destination.’ In addition, Jamaica earned seven awards in the prestigious gold and silver categories at the 2022 Travvy Awards, including ‘‘Best Wedding Destination – Overall’, ‘Best Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program,’ ‘Best Cruise Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean.’ Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. 

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica, go to the JTB’s website at www.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.

SOURCE: Jamaica’s Junior Minister of Tourism Showcases Skills