Caribbean tourism leaders and industry partners join the tourist board for milestone evening at Hard Rock Hotel New York

Pictured: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, gives welcome remarks at the Hard Rock Hotel New York on June 4, 2025, during the Jamaica Tourist Board’s 70^th anniversary celebration.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, June 9, 2025 – The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) hosted a dynamic celebration at the Hard Rock Hotel New York on June 4 to mark its milestone 70th anniversary. The evening brought together key figures in Caribbean tourism, travel partners, and cultural icons to reflect on Jamaica’s legacy as a leading Caribbean travel destination and to share a bold vision for the future.

“As we celebrate 70 years of sharing Jamaica with the world, we reflect on our journey of growth and success,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “This anniversary is not just about looking back – It’s about setting the stage for an even brighter future. Through the ’70 Days of Jamaica Love’ promotion, we invite travelers to rediscover the soul of Jamaica, where every visit promises a new adventure, new memories, and a deeper connection to our culture and people.”

Joining team members from the Jamaica Tourist Board, including the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Donovan White, the Director of Tourism, and Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism, were Caribbean leaders Alsion Wilson Roach, Consul General of Jamaica, New York; Hon. Marsha Tamika Henderson, Minister of Tourism, St. Kitts; Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism, Barbados, and Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism of the Caribbean Tourism Organization; Hon. Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Turks and Caicos; Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, Saint-Martin; Dean Fenton, the U.S. Director for the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority; and Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

Pictured (L-R): Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett; Consul General of Jamaica, New York, Alsion Wilson Roach; and Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, at the Hard Rock Hotel New York on June 4, 2025, during the Jamaica Tourist Board’s 70^th anniversary celebration.

In his welcome remarks, Minister Bartlett reflected on the achievements of the past seven decades and unveiled an exciting new promotion, “70 Days of Jamaica Love”, developed to give thanks and invite visitors to experience the vibe that can only be found in Jamaica. The limited-time deal, available for bookings made between June 4 and August 12, 2025, with travel valid through April 30, 2026, offers 70 days of savings on accommodations, attractions, and more across the island.

“As we reflect on 70 years of progress, we reaffirm our mission to showcase Jamaica’s culture, creativity, and unmatched hospitality to the world,” said Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White. “This is more than a milestone – it’s a celebration of our legacy and a leap toward the future.”

The New York event is part of a year-long 70th anniversary campaign that includes island-wide activations, a commemorative documentary, and a digital exhibition tracing the JTB’s history from its founding in 1955 to today.

For more information on visiting Jamaica, go to www.visitjamaica.com. For more information on the “70 Days of Jamaica Love” offer, and to access special rates, value-added packages and exclusive promotions, visit www.visitjamaica.com/deals.

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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, Barcelona, Rome, 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/.

Contact:  

Lou Hammond Group  

jamaica@louhammond.com