KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett travels to Spain today to participate in FITUR, the largest International Tourism Trade Fair for inbound and outbound Ibero-American markets.

According to the tourism ministry, the event facilitates exchanges between tourism suppliers and industry leaders from around the world.

It also displays hotels, tourist boards, destination management companies, tour operators, airlines and other segments related to the travel industry.

The organisers reported that last year’s event saw 10,190 exhibiting companies from 165 countries/regions, 140,120 trade participants and 110,860 people from the general public, who participated in 6,800 business appointments.

As a key partner, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) uses the staging of FITUR to host a series of tourism-related activities in which Bartlett has been invited to participate. While in Spain, the minister will also host business meetings with Spanish investors, tour operators, airline representatives and other industry partners.

“Securing new investments continues to be a key part of our growth strategy, so we are very eager to use this opportunity to meet with stakeholders who can improve Jamaica’s tourism product. This augurs well for the further development of the economy,” said Bartlett.

He also noted that his meetings with airline representatives are of particular importance as, “the ministry in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board has increased its push to target new markets and boost airlift.”

“We are always seeking new opportunities to market the destination with the intention to see increased airlift arrangements and bring more visitors into Jamaica,” he said.

The minister is accompanied by Director of Tourism, Donovan White, and the ministry’s Senior Director for Corporate Communications Fiona Fennell.

Bartlett and his delegation are scheduled to return to the island on Sunday.