The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) marked its platinum anniversary on April 1 celebrating 70 years of promoting Jamaica as a premier global destination.
The milestone celebration brought together staff, leadership, and industry partners, with international offices joining virtually from the US, Canada, and Europe.
In a significant announcement during the ceremony, Minister Bartlett revealed plans for upcoming partnerships with airlines from South and North America that will substantially expand Jamaica’s airlift capacity. He stated:
“We will be making some more new announcements about partnerships coming out of South and North America.”
The Minister indicated that these agreements will significantly increase seat availability to the island and open access to new markets. These forthcoming route expansions are anticipated to be a major driver for Jamaica’s ambitious tourism growth targets.
Minister Bartlett led the celebration alongside Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Senator Delano Seiveright, Director of Tourism Donovan White, Chairman John Lynch, and Chief Technical Director David Dobson. The ceremony commemorated seven decades of the JTB’s pioneering work in establishing Jamaica as what Minister Bartlett described as “the most prolific and the most successful tourism bureau on planet earth.”
Reflecting on the extraordinary journey of Jamaican tourism since the JTB’s establishment in 1955, when “Jamaica was seen as a place for a short vacation by the wealthy,” Minister Bartlett highlighted the remarkable growth in visitor arrivals, which have bounced back to top pre-pandemic numbers topping 4.3 million in 2024, representing a 23.6% rise in revenue.
“Tourism is the only industry in Jamaica that has grown consistently for 33 years,” Minister Bartlett noted, attributing this success to the dedication of the JTB’s staff and partners across the globe. He paid special tribute to tourism pioneers from John Pringle, Jamaica’s first Director of Tourism in 1963, to current Chairman John Lynch, “in whose administration the industry has grown exponentially.”
“As we look to the next 70 years, we must continue to look to South America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa for greater market share,” Minister Bartlett stated, outlining the JTB’s vision for future growth. He emphasized the importance of developing new products for evolving traveller demographics seeking customized experiences and enhancing infrastructure to provide seamless experiences for both visitors and citizens.
As the JTB looks toward the future, it remains committed to its founding mission of promoting Jamaica while adapting to meet the evolving needs of global travellers and the local tourism industry.
JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD
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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 address JTB staff during the 70th Anniversary celebrations at the head office in Kingston.
Media Contact:
Kiwayne Jacobs
Jamaica Tourist Board
