ForImmediateRelease:
Following the annual strategic meeting with Inverotel, one of the largest Spanish hotel investment groups, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has negotiated better labor market arrangements for the backbone of Jamaica’s tourism sector – its dedicated workforce. The meeting included key representatives from Inverotel and senior tourism officials in the margins of FITUR, the leading tourism trade fair held in Spain.
Established in 2007, the Inverotel Group currently has 18 members from various hotel chains, which together have around 100,000 rooms in the Americas and the Caribbean.
The discussion, led by the Minister, focused on a comprehensive plan that will address three critical areas: housing accessibility, professional development through training, and retirement security.
“Our tourism workers are the heart and soul of Jamaica’s hospitality sector.”
“This initiative represents the commitment of our largest investors to our workers’ well-being and professional growth, ensuring a sustainable future for both our employees and the sector,” Minister Bartlett added.
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The multi-faceted plan that Inverotel has committed to support includes providing affordable housing solutions and professional excellence initiative that will look at comprehensive training programs aligned with international hospitality standards. This training initiative, that will feature strong collaboration with the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation, will provide possibilities for industry-recognized certification opportunities, career advancement pathways and skill development.
Two major components that the group has also committed to include full payment of gratuity and support for staff participation in the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme to ensure social security for workers in retirement.
“We welcome this level of commitment by our Spanish hotel partners, and it represents a significant investment in our workers,” added Minister Bartlett. “By addressing fundamental needs like housing, professional development, and retirement security, we’re not just supporting our workers – we’re strengthening Jamaica’s entire tourism sector,” he stressed.
Minister Bartlett is leading a small delegation of tourism officials at FITUR 2025, in Madrid, Spain, a major tourism fair with 152 countries represented.
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 in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.
Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year.
Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog.
SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE: L-R (front row): Joan Trian Riu, Managing Director of Riu Hotels & Resorts; Sabina Fluxà Thienemann, Vice Chairman and CEO of Iberostar Hotels & Resorts; Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism; Encarna Piñero, Global CEO of Grupo Piñero, Chair of the Board and President of Inverotel; Donovan White, Director of Tourism; L-R (second row): Roberto Cabrera, Chairman, Princess Hotels & Resorts; Chevannes Barragan De Luyz, Europe Business Development Manager, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB); Delano Seiveright, Senior Advisor and Strategist, Ministry of Tourism. L-R (third row): Manel Vallet Garriga, CEO, Catalonia Hotels and Resorts; Fiona Fennell, Public Relations and Communications Manager, JTB; L-R (forth row): Abel Matutes, President, Palladium Hotel Group; José A. Fernández de Alarcón Roca, Inverotel; Jose Luque, Director, Grupo Fuerte; Antonio Hernandez, H10 Resorts Director (top right) and other top Spanish Hotel stakeholders.
MEDIA CONTACT: Corporate Communications Division, Ministry of Tourism, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Telephone: 920-4924, Fax: 920-4944 – OR – Kingsley Roberts, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Ministry of Tourism, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, ext.: 5990, Cell: (876) 505-6118, Fax: 920-4944