Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has hailed the country’s tourism sector as remarkably resilient amidst ongoing global disruptions. One major example is the island’s significant growth following the most devastating global COVID-19 pandemic, welcoming 4.3 million visitors in 2024.
Speaking at a special trade media session in New York yesterday to provide updates on Jamaica’s tourism product, the Minister said, “In today’s interconnected world, where politics, economics, and consumer choices are deeply intertwined, Jamaica stands as a beacon of tourism resilience. While tariffs primarily target goods, their effects ripple through travel sentiment and decision-making but Jamaica has positioned itself to not only withstand these challenges but thrive amid them.”
The island is leaning into its tourism resilience strategies to navigate the impact of some of the global disruptions, starting with diversification of its source markets. While maintaining strong ties with the U.S. market, Jamaica has successfully expanded its tourism promotion efforts across Europe, Canada, and emerging markets in Latin America.
Jamaica has also intensified its cultural exchange programs and international promotional campaigns highlighting authentic Jamaican experiences. “Tourism is fundamentally emotional and relational,” noted Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “While trade disputes may create temporary barriers, Jamaica’s cultural connections transcend these challenges.
With the establishment of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre in 2018, Jamaica continues to be a thought leader in advocacy for resilience building for the industry. Part of this advocacy has included practical approaches to plan, mitigate, and recover from these disruptions
“While the ripple effects of international trade tensions affect tourism destinations unevenly, Jamaica will transform this challenge into an opportunity.”
“Our message to the world remains clear: Jamaica offers not just a destination, but a relationship built on warmth, authenticity, and resilience that transcends temporary global economic fluctuations,” Minister Bartlett concluded.
For more information, go to visitjamaica.com.
SEEN IN IMAGE: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (C) pauses for a photo opportunity at a trade media session in New York last week with: (L-R) Harvey Chipkin, Travel Pulse; Mellany Paynter, NY Carib News; Merissa Principe, Freelance; and Daniel McCarthy, Travel Market Report.
GOT NEWS? click here
Google News, Bing News, Yahoo News, 200+ publications
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 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/.
Media Contact:
Lou Hammond Group
