This follows a meeting on Friday, led by the Jamaica Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, in the margins of largest international tourism fair, FITUR, held in Madrid, Spain
The group reestablished their support of training and development, housing, and pension for hotel workers and highlighted how critical these benefits are to their overall operations and success.
“Our workers remain the most important resource in Jamaica’s tourism industry. They are the ones who have been able to give us an enviable repeat visitor rate of 42%. Jamaica’s tourism workers have hospitality in their DNA and are the reason our visitors have unforgettable and authentic experiences,” said Minster of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.
Inverotel are fully on board with training through the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation (JCTI), the training arm of the Ministry of Tourism, and hospitality programs provided through the HEART/NSTA Trust. The JCTI has successfully provided professional certification to over 15,000 individuals, bolstering Jamaica’s commitment to human capital development in the tourism sector.
The group is also committed to supporting other social initiatives like housing solutions and the current Tourism Workers’ Pension scheme. Discussions also looked at increasing the local supply of goods and services for the group’s operations.
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (C-R) leads a meeting with the Inverotel Group on Friday January 26, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting included head of Inverotel (3rd R-L) Mrs. Encana Pinero and Senior Tourism officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Jamaica Tourist Board.
“Inverotel represents the largest block of investment with approximately one third of our room count. We have a strong relationship that has helped to change the look and feel of our tourism offerings, and so it is critical that the social initiatives for our workers be improved consistently for our mutually beneficial goals,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett.
This strategic meeting happens annually and is used to discuss new Spanish tourism developments and any gaps that need to be addressed.
ABOUT JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.
In 2023, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fourth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named it named “Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board” for the 15th consecutive year, “Caribbean’s Leading Destination” for the 17th consecutive year, and the “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination” in the World Travel Awards – Caribbean.’ In addition, Jamaica was awarded six gold 2023 Travvy Awards, including ‘Best Honeymoon Destination’ ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean,’ ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean,’ and ‘Best Cruise Destination – Caribbean’ as well as two silver Travvy Awards for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and ‘Best Wedding Destination – Overall.’’ It also received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time. TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica the #7 Best Honeymoon Destination in the World and the #19 Best Culinary Destination in the World for 2024. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition and the destination is routinely ranked among the best to visit globally by prestigious international publications.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.
