ForImmediateRelease:
Prestigious Spanish Honor Recognizes Career Achievement.
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has been awarded the distinguished Premio Excelencias 2024 award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the tourism sector throughout his career. The announcement was made by the Caribbean Network Developments (CND).
The Premio Excelencias award, which celebrates excellence in tourism and cultural development, acknowledges Minister Bartlett’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to developing sustainable tourism practices both locally and globally.
During his tenure, Minister Bartlett has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have transformed the tourism landscape, including the establishment of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre. His innovative approach to tourism development has not only boosted Jamaica’s visitor arrivals but has also created sustainable economic opportunities for communities across the island.
“This recognition reflects our nation’s commitment to excellence in tourism.”
Minister Bartlett added, “It is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our entire tourism sector and reinforces Jamaica’s position as a leading destination in the Caribbean region.”
The award ceremony, held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, during FITUR in Madrid, Spain, brought together leading figures from the international tourism industry to celebrate outstanding achievements in the field. The Premio Excelencias 2024 adds to Minister Bartlett’s impressive list of accolades and further cements Jamaica’s standing in global tourism.
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 IMAGE: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett with his latest tourism accolade, the distinguished PREMIO EXCELENCIAS 2024 award.
Kiwayne Jacobs
Jamaica Tourist Board
kjacobs@visitjamaica.com
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett Wins Global Excellence Award