Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, will be awarded the country’s Order of Jamaica and an honorary doctorate for his “contribution to the development of the industry”, according to the Jamaican Ministry of Tourism.
According to the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Bartlett is one of eight people to receive Jamaica’s fourth-highest honour, which will be presented to them at a ceremony on National Heroes Day in October.
The award recognizes Bartlett’s “invaluable contribution to the tourism sector, as well as to promoting human resource sustainability and climate resilience,” the JIS report says.
The award also recognizes Bartlett’s 40 years of public service, including more than 21 years as a minister.
“I am truly honored and touched to be recognized in this way,” Bartlett said in a statement. “These awards not only recognize my efforts in the field, but put tourism in the global spotlight for its contribution to the economy and livelihoods,” he said.
Under Bartlett’s leadership, Jamaica recorded record-breaking visitor numbers while the tourism minister focused on “job creation, wealth distribution, inclusion, community development” and “solidifying the country’s position as a premier destination in the Caribbean,” according to tourism ministry officials.
As co-founder of the Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) in 2018, Bartlett has also been a leading voice for global tourism resilience.
The award “has renewed my drive to support tourism causes that benefit our people and our country,” Bartlett said. “We can get so much more out of this industry to ensure prosperity for all.”
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