KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett departed the island on Monday for Madrid, Spain to attend the 45th staging of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), one of the world’s leading travel and tourism tradeshows.

This event, which runs from January 22 to 26, 2025, provides a platform for international tourism stakeholders to showcase their offerings, foster new business relationships and explore future opportunities.

FITUR is known as the leading tradeshow for inbound and outbound markets in Ibero-America, including premier destinations in the Americas, attracting industry professionals, government representatives, and international media.

Bartlett noted that Jamaica’s participation will mark the beginning of the ministry’s strategy for 2025, a year poised to witness continued growth and innovation in the sector.

With the mantra ‘Thrive in 2025’, the tourism minister underscored the sector’s ambitious targets of five million visitors and US$5 billion generated in earnings, further solidifying Jamaica’s position as a top-tier destination in the global tourism landscape.

“We are proud of Jamaica’s strong performance in 2024, achieving some 4.2 million arrivals and earning US$4.3 billion in tourism revenue, despite numerous challenges,” said Bartlett.

“As we move into 2025, our focus will be on maintaining this momentum, with an eye on hitting the five million mark for arrivals and reaching US$5 billion in earnings. FITUR is the perfect setting to position Jamaica for a successful year ahead, fostering partnerships that will help us reach our goals,” added Bartlett.

The minister’s packed itinerary will include several high-level engagements aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s relationships with key international stakeholders.

Today he will participate in the official FITUR opening ceremony, which will also be attended by Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. This will be followed by a reception for international ministers of tourism at the North Convention Centre.

Bartlett will meet with key players in the global tourism industry including United Nations (UN) Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, and Spain’s Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario Sanchez Grau.

The tourism minister will also meet with Sebastian Ebel, chief executive officer (CEO) of the TUI Group; Encarna Pinero; CEO of Grupo Pinero, operators of the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; Mark Hoplamazian, president of Hyatt Hotels; and representatives of development firm Invertol.

He will also participate in an anniversary event hosted by UN Tourism at the Four Seasons Hotel and attend an award ceremony by Grupo Excelencias.

In addition to meeting engagements, Bartlett will also engage in several media interviews during the tradeshow.

Bartlett is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Sunday.