Jamaica’s Tourism Minister on Tourism Investment, Canada’s Growing Importance and Cuba’s Recovery

I’ve had the privilege of interviewing Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, many times over the years, and every conversation reminds me why he is one of the most respected voices in global tourism.

As Jamaica’s longest-serving cabinet minister, with nearly five decades of public service, Bartlett has helped shape not only his country’s tourism industry but also global discussions around tourism resilience and sustainable growth.

During my interview in Toronto this week, we discussed Cuba’s tourism challenges, tourism investment transforming Jamaica, and why Canada has become one of Jamaica’s fastest-growing source markets.

The minister also highlighted Jamaica’s ongoing investment in infrastructure, upgraded resorts and expanded air service, including approximately 40,000 additional airline seats from Canada this winter. He described Canada as “buzzing” and expects the market to approach half a million visitors.
Our conversation also explored tourism’s role in economic development, education and the future of the Caribbean.

Bartlett believes Cuba’s current struggles are temporary and predicts the island will experience a strong recovery when conditions improve.

“Cuba has all the infrastructure… to drive a V-shaped recovery,” he said, adding that Cuba’s eventual return will reshape Caribbean tourism.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed sitting down with one of the travel industry’s true statesmen.