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Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Bartlett calls for global support for hurricane-impacted Bahamas

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Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Hon Edmund Bartlett today urged members of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly to express solidarity with the Government and people of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, following the passage of Hurricane Dorian.

Addressing the members of the 23rd Session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Saint Petersburg, Russia, the Minister said, “The Bahamas is a key partner in the UNWTO network and served as chair of the Americas. We think this General Assembly should take note of the current situation there and resolve to offer all the support that is possible to ensure a speedy and effective recovery.


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I further call upon the UNWTO to support in the reconstruction process with a focus on ‘building back better’ and thriving which is the essence of resilience.”

In his official address, the Minister also stated The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, located at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, stands ready to serve as a vehicle of implementation for the collective efforts of the UNWTO.

“It is real experiences such as this that inspired the establishment of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre. For decades, we have championed resilience in words, now is the time to act,” said the Minister.

The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre’s mission includes assisting global tourism destinations with destination preparedness, management and recovery from disruptions and/or crises that affect tourism and threaten economies and livelihoods globally.

He also noted that resilience efforts for the tourism sector should be founded on effective crisis communication to build awareness and public education for informed messaging.

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The UNWTO is an agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It includes members from 158 countries, 6 territories and over 500 affiliate members from the private sector. It also offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

The Minister also used the opportunity to invite the members of the General Assembly to further show their support for the Bahamas by booking their next vacation to the island.

“We emphasize and reiterate the position of the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, that indeed the best way to support the Bahamas is to visit the Bahamas as a tourist.

The Minister and his delegation are expected to return from Russia on September 14, 2019.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

Destination Africa by Wakanow.com in Kenya joins the African Tourism Board

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Kenya’s most known online inbound and outbound tour operator Wakanow Kenya operating the Destination Africa online portal joined the African Tourism Board as their 400th member.

“From exquisite hotels and sumptuous continental cuisines to sightseeing breath-taking picturesque landscapes, safaris and heritage sites; our travel packages have been tailored to give you that travel experience you will relish for a lifetime, here in Africa, said Josephine Fifi Rurangwa |Head of Africa Expansion and Airline’s Partnerships.

Wakanow Kenya is a subsidiary of Wakanow.com Limited. Wakanow is Africa’s leading, full-service online travel company.  Their theme: “At Wakanow, we understand that everyone likes easy and affordable travel services, so we provide our customers with a one-stop booking portal for Flights, Hotels, Visa Assistance, Holiday Packages, Airport Transfers, an international Travel SIM, a Prepaid Travel Card, a Loyalty program, and much more.”

“Our online portal gives customers the power of choice from a broad selection of top travel deals, and the ability to research, plan and book their domestic and international travel from the comfort of their homes and everywhere they are.”

Destination Africa by Wakanow.com in Kenya joins the African Tourism Board
Wakanow logo

Juergen Steinmetz, Chief Marketing Officer of the African Tourism Board, who is also the publisher of eTurboNews says: “We’re proud to welcome Wakano Kenya as a  member. African Tourism Board is always focusing on private industry leaders like Wakanow to join our initiative. As a multi African travel booking platform Wakanow is an ideal supporter to make Africa one destination. Many travelers these days like to book their trip online, and for Africa, Wakanow is a reliable and natural choice. “

The African Tourism Board now has members throughout the African Continent and is about to open tourist offices in several countries.
For more information on Wakano go to www.destinationsafrica.com and for more information  and to join  the African Tourism Board visit www.africantourismboard.com 

MEDIA CONTACT: TravelMarketingNetwork, 954 Lexington Ave. #1037, New York, NY 10021 USA, PH: (+1) 718-374-6816, marketing@travelmarketingnetwork.com   

Potential Global Economic Downturn and Sargassum real threats to Tourism, says Bartlett

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Jamaica Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has indicated that Jamaica is taking note that the potential global economic downturn and sargassum phenomena are real threats to the tourism industry.

“We recall the recession of 2008 that impacted economies globally and recognize the need to strategize in light of data and trends. Despite this global recession, Jamaica’s tourism grew by an average 3.5% and we will need to learn from those lessons,” said Minister Bartlett.

There is general concern that the global economy may be on the verge of a slight downturn and possible recession. There is also concern regarding sargassum, which is a type of seaweed that can negatively impact tourist destinations when washed up on shore. 

Minister Bartlett said, “The possibility of a global economic downturn can have a devastating impact on not only Jamaica’s tourism but the region’s tourism. Coupled with this potential threat is now the impending influx of sargassum on our shores. What this means is that we must act decisively and swiftly to collaborate on the best way forward to get ahead of these threats.” 

Minister Bartlett was speaking at a meeting with members of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) today at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, to discuss the threat of sargassum on the island’s tourism. The meeting included senior officials from the Ministry and its agencies, key hotel stakeholders and President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association.

“This meeting with our hotel partners is critical as we seek ways to develop economic resilience. These threats have the potential to negatively impact our livelihoods given the fact that the Caribbean is so heavily dependent on tourism.

Potential Global Economic Downturn and Sargassum real threats to Tourism, says Bartlett
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (C), at the start of the meeting with key hotel stakeholders at the JHTA to discuss the threat of sargassum on the island’s tourism. Joining Minister Bartlett (L-R) are, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Omar Robinson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Jennifer Griffith, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Dr. Carey Wallace and Director of Projects at the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Johan Rampair.

Last year, the Caribbean welcomed 29.9 million visitors and contributed 40% of the region’s GDP but if we do not act, we could see our growth in arrivals and earnings go down,” added Minister Bartlett.  

Minister Bartlett also used the opportunity to have partners from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) make a presentation on their suggested strategy to cut off the sargassum prior to it reaching our shores and to get feedback from hoteliers.

President of the JHTA, Omar Robinson also highlighted the need to urgently identify solutions to “mitigate against any potential fallout this could have on our tourism product.” 

Minister Bartlett added that as it relates to sargassum, “The Global Tourism and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCM) is leading the charge to collaborate and conduct research to come up with workable solutions. Earlier this week, the GTRCM also met with the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, to explore future collaboration regarding research on the sargassum challenges faced by the Caribbean towards identifying solutions.”

Minister Bartlett, through the GTRCM, recently spearheaded a regional sargassum forum which included mechanical engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Precision Engineering Research Group; and noted researchers from the University of the West Indies, Mona and the GTRCM. 

On October 9 and 10 of this year, the GTRCM will host a second summit with leading researchers geared towards climatic disruptions with a focus on sargassum.                     

Media Contact:                                                                                                      

Corporate Communications Division

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard       

Kingston 5

Tel: (876) 920-4926-30

Fax: (876) 906 1729

Second shortlist unveiled for WTM International Travel & Tourism Awards 2019

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The second line-up of shortlisted candidates for the International Travel & Tourism Awards (ITTAs), presented by WTM, is revealed today (Thursday 15 August).

More than 90 nominations have been shortlisted for the prestigious awards scheme, now in their second year, as the Awards will celebrate the very best of travel and tourism on a global scale. The ITTAs recognise the outstanding successes of destinations, tourist boards, private sector companies and individuals.

The winners will be announced to an audience of more than 500 leading industry figures – including Heads of Tourism and Government Ministers – during a prestigious awards ceremony at Magazine London. The brand new event space, which is located just a stone’s throw away from WTM London venue, ExCeL offers a super modern experience with outstanding views of the City.

The ITTAs, presented by WTM and supported by the UNWTO, welcomed a selection of distinguished judges to assess the first tranche of categories, and the contenders have today been unveiled.

Expert judges were drawn from top industry organisations including, WTTC, International Airline Group (IAG), Adobe, Earth Changers, London & Partners, Euromonitor International, public relations body PRCA and the Global Wellness Institute.

The Best Destination category, introduced for 2019, saw an overwhelming response with more than 20 entries, so to enable the judges to compare the entries fairly, this category is now split into Country, City and Region, creating three separate categories.

Nicole Smart, International Travel & Tourism Awards Organiser, said: “We are amazed to see even more shortlisted entries for 2019, compared to the inaugural event last year. I feel this alone shows huge support from the industry.
“We have been delighted with both the volume and quality of the entries, with contenders entering from across the globe – from destinations as diverse as St.Kitts, Jordan, Kerala and Wales – and they demonstrate how tourism is playing a vital role in the economies of different cities and regions.

“Our judges have been greatly impressed by the exceptional quality of entries, and those who are on the shortlist know they have reached a very high standard – they will be among the best in the world.

The second categories to have shortlists unveiled are listed below, with the first wave announced last month (Thursday 25 July).

Best National Tourism Board Campaign

o Azerbaijan: Take Another Look by Azerbaijan Tourism Board
o Incredible India by CNBC
o Revitalising Tobago Tourism by Gravity Global
o The St. Kitts Shout Out by Rooster PR
o Feel Slovenia, Experience Croatia by Slovenian Tourist Board and Croatian National Tourist Board
o #GetNZontheMap by Tourism New Zealand

Best in Adventure

o Rubondo Island Camp, Rubondo Island National Park, Lake Victoria, Tanzania by Asilia Africa
o Alice in 7 Wonderlands by DEC BBDO
o Explore launches short break: Discover Chernobyl by Explore
o Intrepid Travel Women’s Expeditions by Intrepid Travel
o Guyana as a Leading Sustainable Adventure Destination by LOTUS
o Creating The Closest Thing To Flying by Rooster PR
o Alpe-Adria-Trail by Slovenian Tourist Board
o Jordan Trail by The Jordan Trail Association
o Getting off the beaten track in Northern Thailand, by The Tuk Tuk Club

Best Digital Campaign in Tourism

o Join me in Jamaica by Brighter Group, a Finn Partners Company
o TBC Asia 2018 by Cinnamon Hotel Management Ltd
o Destination Abu Dhabi 2018 by Department of Culture and Tourism
o VisitBritain – #GreatBritishSurprise by Digital Visitor
o Wanderers – powered by G Adventures by G Adventures
o Discover Your South Africa by Ginger Juice
o #keyframe19: Plenty of influencers – and no ads, please by Hamburg Marketing GmbH
o iClick Interactive x Palazzo Versace Hotel: Expanding Brand Presence in Digital China by iClick Interactive Asia Limited
o Kerala Blog Express 5 by Kerala Tourism
o Tourism and Events Queensland – #GoForGold with the Queensland Games by MDSG
o Serbia Moments by National Tourism Organisation of Serbia
o MTV in Western Australia by SLC Representation

Best in Luxury

o Santorini Luxury Cruises – The experience of a lifetime! by Caldera Yachting
o The Art of Celebration by CNBC
o Carpe Diem Exclusive Boutique Santorini by PR MEDIACO
o Alpe-Adria-Golf by Slovenian Tourist Board

Best PR Campaign

o Malta Tourism Authority: Valletta 2018 by Brighter Group, a Finn Partners Company
o We’ve Come a Long Way by Jago and Tourism NI
o #CoverTheProgress by KETCHUM INC
o First World Bee Day PR Campaign by Slovenian Tourist Board
o Lost Skills campaign by Travelopia: The Moorings | Sunsail

Best Digital Influencer Campaign

o #LoveAntiguaBarbuda 2018 by Brighter Group, a Finn Partners Company
o Archipelago Guide For An Accidental Traveller by Citynomadi Ltd
o Abu Dhabi Destination Campaign by Department of Culture and Tourism
o Sailing in the British Virgin Islands with The Moorings and Simon Shaw by Travelopia: The Moorings | Sunsail
o Nassau Paradise Island & Find Us Lost by VERB Interactive

Best Destination Campaign – Country

o Azerbaijan: Take Another Look by Azerbaijan Tourism Board
o Buzz4trips by Buzz4trips
o Incredible !ndia 2.0 by CNN International Commercial
o Revitalising Tobago Tourism by Gravity Global
o #CoverTheProgress by KETCHUM INC
o Destination Campaign | No spoilers. See it live. by Loosers s.r.o.
o Wales Reimagined: Reviving Post Industrial Landscapes with Adventure Tourism by Smorgasbord
o South African Tourism – Discover Your South Africa by The Brighter Group

Best in Responsible Tourism

o Green Motion Environmental Strategy by Green Motion International
o Turizem Bohinj – Creating Sustainable Destination Model by AM+A Marketing & Media Relations

International Travel & Tourism Awards (ITTAs), presented by WTM London, celebrate the success of national, regional and city tourist boards and recognise outstanding private sector companies and individuals. Now in their second year, the awards will showcase the best in class of the global travel & tourism industry at the new venue, Magazine London on Tuesday 5 November 2019. https://awards.wtm.com/

About World Travel Market

World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises seven leading B2B events across four continents, generating more than $7 billion of industry deals. The events are:

WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. About 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating about £3.4 billion in travel industry contracts. http://london.wtm.com/.

Next event: Monday 4 – Wednesday 6 November 2019 – London #IdeasArriveHere

Media Contact:

Nicole Smart

E: nicole.smart@reedexpo.co.uk

T: +44 (0)20 8910 7032/ M: +44 (0)79 1955 5510

Julia Newbound – WTM Portfolio PR Executive

E: julia.newbound@reedexpo.co.uk

T: +44 (0)20 8910 7056 / M: +44 (0)7775 036 858

Times Square NYC Welcomes Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism

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Jamaica Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett was welcomed to NYC by Times Square NYC, on Sunday, August 11. The billboard, located on Broadway and 43rd Street, in the heart of Times Square featured the message for 5 minutes, exposing Jamaica to an international audience.

Times Square is the most visited place globally with 360,000 pedestrian visitors a day, amounting to over 131 million a year. Even excluding residents from the visitor count, Times Square is the world’s second most visited tourist attraction, behind the Las Vegas Strip.

Minister Bartlett is in New York to meet with the United Nations’ division of partners, potential tourism investors and media partners. He also celebrated Jamaica’s Independence at the New York Black Tie Gala, where he was a special guest.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Corporate Communications

Ministry of Tourism

64 Knutsford Boulevard

Kingston 5

Tel: (876) 920-4926-30

Fax: (876) 906 1729