Pictured: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, Global Head of Trade Brands, Apple Leisure Group Vacations, Jackie Marks, Director of Tourism, Donovan White and Deputy Director of Tourism, Philip Rose, share a photo moment with a section of the ALG Travel Advisories at a welcome reception at RIU Montego Bay on Saturday January 31, 2026.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, February 9, 2026 – Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has warmly applauded the 1,000 travel advisors from Apple Leisure Group (ALG) who have signed up to participate in volunteer initiatives across the island, underscoring the strength of Jamaica’s longstanding partnership with one of its most influential tourism companies.

ALG is the leading North American travel, hospitality and leisure management group. The volunteer commitment forms part of the company’s continued engagement with the destination, with advisors contributing time and skills to community-based projects that support national recovery efforts.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, speaking at a welcome event for ALG at RIU Montego Bay on Saturday January 31, 2025, described the initiative as a powerful demonstration of confidence in Jamaica and a meaningful investment in its people.

“The decision by 1,000 ALG travel advisors to volunteer in Jamaica is an extraordinary show of solidarity and partnership,” said Minister Bartlett. “While not all were able to make this trip, its highlights the global support Jamaica continues to receive. I have committed to hosting these travel advisors over a phased basis as it directly supports our communities and aligns with our broader recovery and resilience strategy for the sector.”

Pictured: Deputy Director of Tourism, Philip Rose, Global Head of Trade Brands, Apple Leisure Group Vacations, Jackie Marks and TV personality Carson Kressley share a photo opportunity with ALG Travel Advisors during their volunteerism in Montego Bay on Sunday February 1, 2026.

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, welcomed the initiative as a gamechanger for destination advocacy and community impact. “Travel advisors are among Jamaica’s strongest ambassadors, and when they engage at this level, the impact is profound,” said White. “By volunteering on the ground, these advisors gain an even deeper appreciation for Jamaica’s culture, people, and communities.”

The volunteer activities combine community upliftment and delivery of tangible benefits while fostering authentic connections between advisors and communities.

Deputy Director of Tourism with responsibility for the Americas, Philip Rose, emphasized the importance of ALG’s support within Jamaica’s key source markets. “Apple Leisure Group is a critical partner for Jamaica in the Americas, and this initiative reinforces the depth of that relationship. The enthusiasm shown by these advisors reflects their belief in Jamaica’s recovery.”

Minister Bartlett also highlighted ALG’s longstanding contribution to Jamaica’s tourism success, noting the group’s role in driving visitor arrivals, strengthening destination awareness, and supporting recovery-focused initiatives.

For more information about Jamaica as a destination, visit www.visitjamaica.com.

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD  

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Madrid, Milan, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions, and accommodations in Jamaica, go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.