KINGSTON, Jamaica— Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett was awarded by the International Tourism Investment Conference (ITIC) for his outstanding contributions to developing sustainable and resilient tourism practices in Jamaica.

The recognition came during the ITIC Summit held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London on Monday.

The ITIC Global Tourism Investment Summit in London is a highly anticipated annual event that brings together tourism ministers, industry leaders, and developers from the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors to connect with potential investors.

“This acknowledgement has truly come as a surprise, and I am humbled by it. It is good to see that our small island has become a thought leader on issues related to sustainability and resilience. This is a win for Jamaica and indicates that we are on the right path to future proofing our beloved industry,” Bartlett said.

The award acknowledges Minister Bartlett’s pioneering work in advocating for comprehensive sustainable practices and building capacity for tourism resilience. Under his leadership, Jamaica has made significant strides in balancing tourism growth with environmental conservation and community development. The island has also become a thought leader on building resilience in tourism globally.

Bartlett is leading a delegation at the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) scheduled for November 5-7. WTM London is home to the world’s travel trade – the most influential travel and tourism event globally. The event is expected to welcome over 45,000 participants.