Bartlett urges Jamaican diaspora in Canada to invest in tourism
Key Points(5)
- Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is urging Jamaicans living in Canada to play a greater role in developing Jamaica’s tourism industry through investment, innovation, knowledge transfer and international advocacy.
- Addressing members of the Jamaican diaspora at the Jamaica Diaspora Impact Awards in Toronto, Bartlett described overseas Jamaicans as an important source of expertise, wealth and international influence that could help build a more resilient and inclusive tourism sector.
- “I call it the commonwealth because you are the commonwealth, and I want to emphasise that last syllable — wealth,” Bartlett said, highlighting the diaspora’s potential contribution to Jamaica’s economic development.
- He also pointed to the support Jamaicans overseas provided following Hurricane Melissa, saying the response demonstrated the strength of the relationship between Jamaica and its diaspora.
- Bartlett urged members of the community to build on that support by contributing to the island’s next phase of tourism development under the government’s Tourism 3.0 vision.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is urging Jamaicans living in Canada to play a greater role in developing Jamaica’s tourism industry through investment, innovation, knowledge transfer and international advocacy.
Addressing members of the Jamaican diaspora at the Jamaica Diaspora Impact Awards in Toronto, Bartlett described overseas Jamaicans as an important source of expertise, wealth and international influence that could help build a more resilient and inclusive tourism sector.
“I call it the commonwealth because you are the commonwealth, and I want to emphasise that last syllable — wealth,” Bartlett said, highlighting the diaspora’s potential contribution to Jamaica’s economic development.
He also pointed to the support Jamaicans overseas provided following Hurricane Melissa, saying the response demonstrated the strength of the relationship between Jamaica and its diaspora.
Bartlett urged members of the community to build on that support by contributing to the island’s next phase of tourism development under the government’s Tourism 3.0 vision.
He encouraged diaspora members to invest in tourism-related businesses, support Jamaican-owned enterprises, develop cultural and heritage experiences, and connect local entrepreneurs with international markets.
“Jamaica’s tourism future must be built around our people, creating opportunities for ownership, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods. Our diaspora can help us turn global connections into meaningful opportunities for Jamaicans at home,” he said.
Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, said the diaspora also plays an important role in promoting the country internationally and expanding its reach to potential visitors and investors.
“Jamaicans overseas are among our most powerful advocates. Their passion for the island, combined with their global networks and influence, can help us attract new visitors, unlock investment and showcase the authentic experiences that distinguish Brand Jamaica,” White said.
Angella Bennett, regional director for Canada at the Jamaica Tourist Board, also emphasised the importance of strengthening ties with the Jamaican Canadian community as the island seeks to maintain its position in the Canadian tourism market.
“The Jamaican diaspora in Canada has an invaluable role to play in promoting our destination, supporting local businesses and building new partnerships,” Bennett said.
Bartlett further stressed the need to prioritise resilience as tourism destinations face climate-related disasters, geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global travel.
He said Jamaica’s ability to adapt, innovate and establish strategic partnerships would be critical to maintaining the industry’s competitiveness and ensuring tourism delivers wider economic benefits.
Through increased diaspora engagement, Jamaica aims to expand investment opportunities, strengthen international connections and create more economic opportunities for communities across the island.
