Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, on Tuesday departed the island to Madrid, Spain, in preparation for the annual international travel and tourism tradeshow, FITUR.
This event, scheduled from January 24 to January 28, 2024, is known as Latin America’s premier travel trade fair, magnetizing tourism experts and enthusiasts from all corners of the world.
FITUR: The forefront of Latin American tourism
FITUR assumes a role as the first major engagement of the year for tourism professionals, particularly those hailing from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Minister Bartlett emphasized its significance, describing it as a forum where connections are forged, insights are shared, and new opportunities in the dynamic tourism sector are explored.
Key engagements
He is set to lead the Jamaican delegation in a high-level meeting with the CEO of Grupo Pinero, the operators of Bahia Principe hotels and resorts.
In attendance will be Mrs. Encarna Pinero, along with senior members of her team, Ms. Paqui Benitez and Jaimie Sitjar.
The Minister will also grace the FITUR opening ceremony, presided over by Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain.
Moreover, he will partake in a special reception for tourism ministers at the Fairgrounds, as well as a meet & greet session for international counterparts.
Networking with key figures
He will also attend a welcome reception hosted by Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF – Development Bank of Latin America.
Showcasing Jamaica’s tourism potential
Minister Bartlett underscored FITUR’s significance in terms of investment and networking opportunities.
He states that Jamaica anticipates hosting over 3 million stopover visitors in 2024, and FITUR serves as an invaluable platform to exhibit the country’s offerings, strengthen partnerships, and explore avenues for sustainable growth.
During his stay, Minister Bartlett will engage with representatives from Edelweiss Air, a Swiss airline, and Sunwing Vacations from Canada.
Media engagements: Sharing Jamaica’s story
The Minister will participate in a series of media interactions, including an interview with RNE, a prominent Spanish public radio station, Cinco Dias, a key financial newspaper, and ABC Natural, a leading newspaper focused on the environment and sustainability. Additionally, he will feature in an interview with Onda Cero – Gente Viajera, a well-known radio travel program in Spain.
Furthermore, the Minister will share insights about Destination Jamaica’s nature, food, culture, and lifestyle in an interview with Hola Viajes.
Culmination of engagements
To culminate his engagements in Spain, Minister Bartlett will attend the Inverotel Traditional Work Breakfast.
He is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
