Bartlett outlines New York and Spain engagements for Jamaica’s tourism recovery

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – Jamaica’s international tourism marketing programme has expanded with official engagements in the United States and Spain, as Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett departed the island to lead a series of scheduled meetings following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

The programme includes a visit to New York from January 15 to 17, followed by Jamaica’s participation in the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid, Spain. The New York engagements form part of a multi-market campaign focused on visitor confidence, trade relations, and media engagement. The Minister is accompanied by a delegation from the Jamaica Tourist Board and is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Saturday, January 17, ahead of his departure for Madrid on Monday, January 19.

Minister Bartlett is expected to return from FITUR on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Commenting on the mission, Minister Bartlett said: “This marketing blitz is about more than restoring numbers; it is about restoring livelihoods, momentum and confidence surrounding our tourism sector, on which the Jamaican people depend. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, we have taken decisive steps to stabilise and rebuild the sector, and now we are telling Jamaica’s recovery story directly to our most important partners and markets.”

While in New York, the Minister’s schedule includes engagements with US media organisations, travel advisors, and industry representatives. On Thursday, January 15, he is set to tour NBC Studios and take part in activities linked to the TODAY Show, followed by a media luncheon with representatives from outlets including Forbes, Ebony, Fodor’s Travel, TravelPulse, TimeOut, and Caribbean and diaspora-focused platforms. An evening function with travel agents is also scheduled.

On Friday, January 16, Minister Bartlett will hold meetings with senior editors Billy Cohen of AFAR and Grace White of Essence, and will record a podcast interview with Pauline Frommer of The Frommer’s Travel Show.

Following the New York visit, the Minister will lead Jamaica’s delegation to the 46th edition of FITUR, taking place in Madrid from January 21 to 25. FITUR is positioned as a platform for inbound and outbound tourism for Ibero-America and a forum for engagement with international tourism stakeholders.

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Addressing Jamaica’s participation at FITUR, Minister Bartlett stated: “This signals the intensification of Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding initiative following hurricane Melissa. Despite the impact of the hurricane, Jamaica performed strongly in 2025, and our presence at FITUR allows us to convert resilience into renewed growth by securing partnerships, investments and market confidence.”

During FITUR, scheduled meetings include discussions with representatives from UN Tourism, TUI Group, Grupo Piñero, operators of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels, and development firm Invertol. The programme also includes interviews with consumer and trade media.

Minister Bartlett added: “These engagements are essential to ensuring that tourism continues to drive economic growth, job creation and opportunities for our people. Jamaica is rebuilding with purpose, and the world will hear clearly that we are open, resilient and ready.”

The New York and Madrid visits represent the latest phase of a broader international marketing initiative, with additional engagements planned in London, South America, Canada, and India, as Jamaica continues efforts to restore its tourism industry and support related employment.

The article Bartlett outlines New York and Spain engagements for Jamaica’s tourism recovery first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The post Bartlett outlines New York and Spain engagements for Jamaica’s tourism recovery appeared first on Travel Daily News