Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has been honoured by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO)  for his exceptional leadership and transformative contributions to Caribbean tourism development.

Under Bartlett’s leadership, Jamaica not only recovered but saw growth following the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, welcoming 4.3 million visitors in 2024 and generating approximately US$4.35 billion in tourism earnings.

His strategic initiatives have not only transformed Jamaica’s tourism landscape but have also served as a blueprint for regional development. The CTO presented Barlett with his award last week at the Jamaica Tourist Board’s 70th Anniversary celebration in New York.

The award recognises Bartlett’s visionary approach to regional tourism cooperation, his innovative strategies for building tourism resilience, and his unwavering commitment to positioning the Caribbean as the world’s premier tropical destination.

Speaking on behalf of the CTO, Chairman, and Minister of Tourism for Barbados, Ian Gooding-Edghill highlighted that Bartlett has been a driving force behind the Caribbean’s remarkable tourism recovery and growth and regional collaboration.

In his reply, Bartlett remarked, “This award belongs not just to Jamaica, but to all our Caribbean partners who have worked tirelessly to build a stronger, more resilient tourism industry. Together, we have shown that collaboration, innovation, and shared vision can overcome any challenge.

“It is truly humbling that the CTO has recognised my contributions to regional tourism, but it also highlights that we can do more together as a block. There is much more to do to increase airlift, arrivals and earnings through collaboration, and I am committed to working with all our stakeholders to achieve this.”