Interview with Hon. Edmund Bartlett, minister of Tourism, Jamaica

In an interview with Economy Middle East, at ATM Dubai 2024, Honorable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica, elaborated on Jamaica’s recent tourism initiatives and upcoming projects. 

He explained the remarkable recovery from COVID-19, with Jamaica welcoming 4 million visitors and generating over $4.3 billion for the economy, solidifying tourism as the country’s leading industry. 

Bartlett discussed the resilience of Jamaica’s tourism sector, noting no loss of pre-COVID investors and plans to build 20,000 new rooms in the next five to ten years. 

Regarding investment opportunities, he highlighted the potential for GCC nationals and countries to invest in tourism and wider economic ventures, emphasizing the economic benefits and job creation. 

At the United Nations, Bartlett underlined the importance of resilient and sustainable tourism, particularly for developing countries, given the projected significant increase in tourist numbers and earnings globally.