KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett left Jamaica on Monday for Madrid, Spain, to participate in the 45th edition of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), one of the world’s premier travel and tourism trade shows. The event, taking place from January 22 to 26, 2025, serves as a platform for global tourism stakeholders to present their offerings, forge new business connections, and explore future opportunities within the industry.
FITUR is recognized as the leading trade show for inbound and outbound markets in Ibero-America, featuring top destinations across the Americas. The event attracts a diverse audience, including industry professionals, government representatives, and international media.
Minister Bartlett highlighted that Jamaica’s participation in FITUR will kickstart the Ministry of Tourism’s strategy for 2025, a year that is expected to bring continued growth and innovation to the sector. With the theme “Thrive in 2025,” the tourism minister emphasized the sector’s ambitious goals of attracting five million visitors and generating US$5 billion in earnings, further cementing Jamaica’s standing as a premier global tourism destination.
“We are proud of Jamaica’s strong performance in 2024, achieving some 4.2 million arrivals and earning US$4.3 billion in tourism revenue, despite numerous challenges,” said Bartlett.
“As we move into 2025, our focus will be on maintaining this momentum, with an eye on hitting the five million mark for arrivals and reaching US$5 billion in earnings. FITUR is the perfect setting to position Jamaica for a successful year ahead, fostering partnerships that will help us reach our goals,” added Bartlett.
Minister Bartlett’s itinerary at FITUR will be packed with high-level engagements designed to strengthen Jamaica’s ties with key international tourism stakeholders. Today, he will participate in the official opening ceremony of FITUR, which will be attended by Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. Following this, Bartlett will attend a reception for international tourism ministers at the North Convention Centre.
The tourism minister will also meet with influential figures in the global tourism sector, including United Nations (UN) Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Spain’s Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario Sanchez Grau. Additionally, Bartlett will engage with prominent industry leaders such as Sebastian Ebel, CEO of the TUI Group; Encarna Pinero, CEO of Grupo Pinero, operators of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; Mark Hoplamazian, president of Hyatt Hotels; and representatives from the development firm Invertol. These meetings aim to bolster Jamaica’s presence in the global tourism landscape and explore new business opportunities.
In addition to meeting engagements, Bartlett will also engage in several media interviews during the tradeshow.
Bartlett is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Sunday.
