Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Tourism Awareness Week was a reminder of the global significance of tourism and its integral role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
He said the Week, observed from September 22 to 28, was also an opportunity for Jamaica to highlight and showcase the diversity of its tourism product and what the country has been doing in anticipation of an expected tourism boom.
In an interview with JIS News on September 28, Minister Bartlett noted that tourism is not only a crucial economic driver but also a vital connector that brings people together.
“As we celebrated Tourism Awareness Week, our activities were focused on highlighting how tourism transcends borders, nurtures relationships, and promotes cultural exchange,” the Minister said. “In these challenging times, the need for understanding and collaboration among nations has never been more critical,” he added.
Noting that the industry is the lifeblood for many economies, the Minister said that Jamaica has been proactive in preparing its citizens to seize emerging opportunities within the industry, especially in leadership roles.
Mr. Bartlett pointed out that the Government has introduced a range of innovative educational programmes, aimed at enhancing the skills and qualifications of those seeking to fill top-level positions in the sector.
“We recognise that a well-trained workforce is essential for the sustainability and growth of our tourism industry,” the Minister said. “Our educational programmes are designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel and lead in this dynamic field,” he added.
Mr. Bartlett said it is clear that the proactive initiatives of the Ministry and its public bodies have demonstrated the transformative power of tourism, creating opportunities for the people and cementing Jamaica’s position as a “first-rate and first-choice” destination going forward.
“Let me share a few of the initiatives. The Tourism Product Development Company’s (TPDCo’s) flagship training programme, Team Jamaica, is equipping tourism professionals with the skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional service to visitors from diverse backgrounds,” he noted.
“Additionally, TPDCo’s Visitor Safety Experience unit and the Treat Our Visitors Right Campaign underline our commitment to providing a safe and seamless visitor experience,” the Minister said.
The Minister added that the Tourism Innovation Incubator, established through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), aims to identify and nurture groundbreaking ideas that can transform Jamaica’s tourism sector, adding that the programme this year received 222 applications, marking a 553 per cent increase from the 34 applications received in its inaugural year in 2022.
Mr. Bartlett, in the meantime, said it was a very successful Tourism Awareness Week 2024, pointing to the various activities, including workshops, seminars, and community outreach initiatives, all aimed at engaging the public and promoting the benefits of “a thriving tourism sector”.
The Minister expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who participated in making the week a success.
“As Jamaica looks to the future, it is clear that tourism not only fuels the economy but also serves as a vital conduit for fostering global peace and understanding. With ongoing efforts to educate and empower the workforce, Jamaica is poised to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the ever-evolving tourism landscape,” he said.
