KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has recognised Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, for his leadership and contributions to regional tourism development.

Presented with an award at the Jamaica Tourist Board’s 70th anniversary celebration in New York on Wednesday, June 4, the minister was celebrated for his visionary approach to regional tourism cooperation, his strategies for building tourism resilience, and his unwavering commitment to positioning the Caribbean as the world’s premier tropical destination.

“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,” said Bartlett while receiving the award.

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

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

“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,” Bartlett added.