The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has honored Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Edmund Bartlett, for his visionary leadership and transformative impact on advancing tourism throughout the Caribbean.
“It is truly humbling that the CTO has recognized my contributions to regional tourism, but it also highlights that we can do more together as a block. There is much more to do to increase airlift, arrivals, and earnings through collaboration, and I am committed to working with all our stakeholders to achieve this,” said Minister Bartlett.
The award was presented during the Jamaica Tourist Board’s 70th Anniversary celebration in New York on Wednesday, June 4. It recognized Minister Bartlett’s forward-thinking approach to regional tourism cooperation, his innovative strategies for building tourism resilience, and his steadfast commitment to positioning the Caribbean as the world’s premier tropical destination.
Speaking on behalf of the CTO, Chairman and Minister of Tourism for Barbados, the Honourable Ian Gooding-Edghill, praised Minister Bartlett as a driving force behind the Caribbean’s remarkable tourism recovery, growth, and regional collaboration.
Under Minister Bartlett’s leadership, Jamaica not only rebounded from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic but also experienced significant growth, welcoming 4.3 million visitors in 2024 and generating approximately US$4.35 billion in tourism earnings. His strategic initiatives have not only reshaped Jamaica’s tourism sector but have also served as a model for regional development.
“This award belongs not just to Jamaica, but to all our Caribbean partners who have worked tirelessly to build a stronger, more resilient tourism industry. Together, we have shown that collaboration, innovation, and shared vision can overcome any challenge,” Minister Bartlett added.
