Global recognitions and high-level engagements underscore Jamaica’s growing influence in shaping the future of tourism

KINGSTON; Jamaica; Tuesday September 22, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, will receive major global recognition in North America, Europe and Africa from September 23-26, 2026, while contributing to conversations on tourism resilience, sustainability, innovation and international cooperation.

During the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, Minister Bartlett will be named among the 100 African Diaspora Personalities of Global Influence, in recognition of his contribution to tourism resilience, global tourism development and Africa-Caribbean partnerships.

On September 25, Minister Bartlett will co-chair the World Economic Forum Beyond Tourism Day Forum at WEF Headquarters in Geneva, where government leaders, global CEOs and investors will examine tourism’s role in economic resilience, investment and innovation. He will help lead discussions among international policymakers and business leaders that will be broadcasted globally through WEF platforms.

On September 26, Minister Bartlett will receive the PYNE Award for Tourism Icon in Maputo, Mozambique, recognising his work to strengthen tourism and economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean and his role in establishing the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC).

The Minister noted that tourism has evolved beyond its traditional role as an economic sector and is increasingly recognised as a vehicle for economic development, job creation, investment, cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.

“Jamaica is a small island, but our ideas, our partnerships and our ambition for tourism have global relevance. I am humbled by the recognition that is a global win for our island,” said Minister Bartlett.

The engagements will strengthen Jamaica’s visibility among global policymakers, investors and media, and advance Brand Jamaica’s contribution to the global tourism conversation.

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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/.