Prestigious honor recognizes Minister Bartlett’s contributions to global tourism as part of MIPAD’s Global Top 100 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality — Class of 2026

Pictured (left to right): Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett receiving Lifetime Achievement Award from Founder and Chairman of MIPAD, Kamil Olufowobi 

NEW YORK, NY, October 20, 2026 – Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, was formally presented with the MIPAD Lifetime Achievement Award in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality on Friday, October 16, during a special presentation by executives of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) at the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations in New York City.

The prestigious honor was presented as part of MIPAD’s Global Top 100 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality — Class of 2026 recognition, celebrating leaders of African descent whose contributions have helped shape and advance the global tourism industry.

Minister Bartlett was originally named among the 2026 honorees in July, recognizing his longstanding leadership in advancing tourism resilience, championing environmentally responsible travel, strengthening connections with the African diaspora and positioning Jamaica as a leading destination on the world stage.

“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,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “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.”

Throughout his tenure as Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Bartlett has been a leading advocate for building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable global tourism industry. His work has helped elevate Jamaica’s international profile through initiatives focused on tourism resilience, community-based tourism, visitor health and safety, and international collaboration.

The MIPAD Global Top 100 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality initiative, developed in collaboration with The Pyne Awards Africa, recognizes 100 influential individuals of African descent making significant contributions across the travel and hospitality sectors, including aviation, destination marketing, cultural storytelling and global hospitality. The Class of 2026 was initially announced on Global Africa Day, with celebrations and recognition events taking place from October 2026 through January 2027.

The Lifetime Achievement Award further underscores Jamaica’s standing as a global tourism leader and recognizes Minister Bartlett’s enduring commitment to advancing an industry that creates opportunities for communities, celebrates cultural heritage and strengthens connections across borders.

High-Resolution Image HERE.

For more information on planning a trip to Jamaica, visit www.visitjamaica.com.

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 2026, Jamaica was declared “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination” and “Caribbean’s Leading Family Destination” by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the “Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board”.

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, visit 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. Visit the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.