Global honor recognizes 100 leaders of African descent shaping the future of world tourism

KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 21, 2026— Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has been named as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Global Top 100 in its Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Edition — Class of 2026, an honor that recognizes leaders shaping the future of the global tourism industry. This important designation places Jamaica among international destinations at the forefront of tourism leadership.

Nominees were announced on Global Africa Day through a collaboration between MIPAD and The Pyne Awards Africa. Each year the program identifies 100 people of African descent whose work is moving the industry forward, including air travel, destination marketing, cultural storytelling, and global hospitality.

The recognition underscores Jamaica’s enduring standing within the global tourism industry and highlights Minister Bartlett’s leadership in championing environmentally responsible travel, strengthening ties with the diaspora community, and building a more resilient industry.

“This recognition is not just for me, but for Jamaica and for the people whose warmth, culture and resilience make our island the heart of global tourism,” said Minister Bartlett. “Tourism must continue to be a vehicle for empowerment, for telling our stories and for connecting the African diaspora to opportunity.”        

Honorees will be celebrated at various MIPAD functions taking place October 2026 into January 2027, with Lagos Diaspora Week and gatherings in New York among the scheduled occasions.

During Minister Bartlett’s time at the helm of the Jamaica Tourist Board, the island’s tourism industry has drawn praise on the world stage for its advances in visitor health and safety measures, tourism grounded in local communities, and cross-border collaborations that strengthen Jamaica’s position as a top vacation destination.

For more information on planning a trip to Jamaica, 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/.