Because the Jamaica Vacationer Board celebrates its milestone seventieth anniversary, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has reiterated that employees within the sector are on the coronary heart of the vacation spot’s success and excellence.
In highlighting this reality, the Minister has unveiled a strategic framework that locations tourism employees on the absolute heart of the island’s tourism growth technique—the great initiative positions Jamaica because the Caribbean’s premier vacation spot by way of funding in human capital.
Talking on the Jamaica Vacationer Board’s seventieth anniversary celebration on the Laborious Rock Lodge in New York on Wednesday, June 4, Minister Bartlett emphasised the significance of constructing human capital to future-proof Jamaica’s tourism for the subsequent 70 years and past.
“Our individuals have at all times been Jamaica’s best asset, and this technique formally acknowledges that fact. To make sure the resilience of the sector, we are going to construct a tourism ecosystem the place each employee, from housekeepers to lodge managers, tour guides to transportation suppliers, has the instruments, coaching, and alternatives to thrive.”
Pictured: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (1st R) cuts the seventieth Anniversary cake on the Jamaica Vacationer Board’s celebration on the Laborious Rock Lodge on Wednesday June 4, 2025. Becoming a member of within the second (L-R) are Ricardo Henry, Enterprise Growth Officer – Northeast USA, Allana Faustin, Inside Gross sales Communications Officer, Victoria Harper, District Gross sales Supervisor-Northeast USA, and Donovan White, Director of Tourism.
The initiative encompasses three core pillars designed to rework Jamaica’s tourism workforce: coaching and Certification to upskill employees and alter the labour market association; housing; and entry to the already established Tourism Staff Pension scheme.
“This all falls below our drive to construct human capital and make the required funding in our individuals, who’re our most iconic attraction. As tourism continues to evolve, our employees will want the abilities to adapt and meet the growing calls for. When our employees are geared up, our service requirements and resilience will contribute to the sector’s future proofing,” mentioned Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.
For 70 years, the Jamaica Vacationer Board has been on the forefront of selling the island as a premier warm-weather vacation spot. Final yr, the island welcomed 4.3 million guests, with a projected 5 million for 2025.
“That is about recognizing that sustainable tourism is determined by sustainable livelihoods for the individuals who make our trade attainable. When our employees prosper, our guests have higher experiences, communities profit, and our total nation grows stronger,” mentioned Director of Tourism, Donovan White.
THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD
The Jamaica Vacationer Board (JTB), established in 1955, is Jamaica’s nationwide tourism company, headquartered within the capital metropolis of Kingston. JTB places of work are additionally positioned in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto, and London. Consultant places of work are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo, Paris, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Jamaica is house to a number of the world’s greatest lodging, sights and repair suppliers that proceed to obtain outstanding world recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica because the #13 Finest Honeymoon Vacation spot, #11 Finest Culinary Vacation spot, and #24 Finest Cultural Vacation spot within the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Main Cruise Vacation spot’ and ‘World’s Main Household Vacation spot’ for the fifth consecutive yr by the World Journey Awards, which additionally named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Main Vacationer Board’ for the 17th straight yr.
Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, together with a gold for ‘Finest Journey Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Finest Culinary Vacation spot – Caribbean’ and ‘Finest Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The vacation spot additionally acquired bronze recognition for ‘Finest Vacation spot – Caribbean’, ‘Finest Marriage ceremony Vacation spot – Caribbean’, and ‘Finest Honeymoon Vacation spot – Caribbean’. Moreover, Jamaica acquired a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘Worldwide Tourism Board Offering the Finest Journey Advisor Help’ for a record-setting 12th time.
