Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett receives MIPAD lifetime achievement award
Key Points(5)
- Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has received a lifetime achievement award from the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) for his contributions to the global travel, tourism and hospitality industry.
- Bartlett was formally presented with the MIPAD Lifetime Achievement Award in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality on Friday, Oct.
- 16, during a ceremony at the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations in New York City.
- The award forms part of MIPAD’s Global Top 100 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality — Class of 2026, which recognizes influential people of African descent for their contributions to the industry.
- Bartlett was named among the 2026 honorees in July.
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has received a lifetime achievement award from the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) for his contributions to the global travel, tourism and hospitality industry.
Bartlett was formally presented with the MIPAD Lifetime Achievement Award in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality on Friday, Oct. 16, during a ceremony at the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations in New York City.
The award forms part of MIPAD’s Global Top 100 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality — Class of 2026, which recognizes influential people of African descent for their contributions to the industry. Bartlett was named among the 2026 honorees in July.
According to the Jamaica Tourist Board, Bartlett was recognized for his leadership in tourism resilience, environmentally responsible travel, engagement with the African diaspora and efforts to strengthen Jamaica’s position as a leading international destination.
“Receiving this Lifetime Achievement Award is a tremendous honor, one that I share with the people of Jamaica, whose spirit and resilience continue to inspire the world,” Bartlett said.
“Tourism is more than an economic driver. It is a powerful force for connecting cultures, creating opportunities and transforming lives. This recognition strengthens my commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive global tourism industry for generations to come.”
During his tenure as tourism minister, Bartlett has advocated for a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable tourism industry, with initiatives focused on tourism resilience, community-based tourism, visitor health and safety, and international collaboration.
The MIPAD Global Top 100 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality initiative was developed in collaboration with The Pyne Awards Africa. It recognizes 100 individuals of African descent working across sectors including aviation, destination marketing, cultural storytelling and global hospitality.
The Class of 2026 was initially announced on Global Africa Day, with recognition events scheduled to take place from October 2026 through January 2027.
The award adds to Jamaica’s international tourism recognition. The Jamaica Tourist Board said the destination received several honors in 2026, including Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination and Caribbean’s Leading Family Destination at the World Travel Awards. The board was also named Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board.
Founded in 1955, the Jamaica Tourist Board is the country’s national tourism agency, headquartered in Kingston, with offices in several international markets.
