Jamaica Tourism Minister to participate in Jamaica House London

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, left the island today (August 4) for London, England, to participate in Jamaica House activities at the 2017 IAAF World Championships and attend meetings with strategic partners.

“The number of tourists we have coming from the United Kingdom so far this year is roughly 40 percent ahead of where we were three years ago. We take the UK market very seriously and with the boon of the World Championships, the JTB in conjunction with our industry partners have ramped up marketing in the market including having 150 of London’s famed black taxi cabs emblazoned with the moniker Less Traffic and More Jammin, coupled with colorful Jamaica-themed images depicting an inviting scene of the island,” said Minister Bartlett.

Jamaica House 2017 is a collaboration among the Ministry of Tourism, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport. It is scheduled to take place at Indigo at The O2, Peninsula Square in London, which will be a melting pot for visitors from Jamaica, Britain and around the world for Jamaican food and entertainment.

The 2017 IAAF World Championships is of particular interest this year, because Jamaican sprint superstar and world record holder Usain Bolt will compete in the 100m and 4x100m relay as he bids farewell to the sport and to millions of fans around the globe. The concept of Jamaica House was therefore designed to leverage the global focus on the country’s participating athletes and Brand Jamaica during this historic moment.

“The Jamaica Tourist Board has come up with a brilliant marketing plan for London. They have also sponsored the Jamaica Garden Terrace in London’s financial district, Canary Wharf. The Terrace will feature Jamaican food as well as musical performances from well-known Jamaican artistes and will remain in place until August 31,” said the Minister.

While in the UK, the Minister will also use the opportunity to meet with strategic partners, including the Jamaican Diaspora as well as promote the upcoming UNWTO, Government of Jamaica and World Bank Group Conference titled “Global Conference on Jobs and Inclusive Growth through Sustainable Tourism” scheduled for November 27 – 29, 2017 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James.

Chairman of the JTB, John Lynch; Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook and his Senior Advisor/Strategist, Delano Seiveright are accompanying Minister Bartlett. The delegation will return to the island on August 15, 2017.