Turkish Airlines flies to 345 destinations in more different nations than any other carrier in the world, with one of the newest and most acclaimed airports as its hub. It also consistently ranks among the very best airlines and just won–again–Best Airline in Europe in the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, the industry’s most influential, beating out the likes of Air France, Swiss, Lufthansa, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. It also took home four other Number Ones in the awards, including Best Economy Class Seat in Europe and Best Business Class Cuisine worldwide. (I recently wrote in detail here at Forbes about another award-winning carrier, Qatar Airways, which has won World’s Best Airline and World’s Best Business Class among other titles).
Tourism Diplomacy a Gateway to Sustainable Investments – Bartlett
21.11.2023 - 13:16 / breakingtravelnews.com / Ahmed Al-Khateeb / Edmund Bartlett / Andrew Holness
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad (2nd left), smiles as he shakes hands with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith in the presence of Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (3rd right) and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (3rd left) after both governments signed a developmental framework memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit in Riyadh on Thursday, November 16, 2023. (Photo: Saudi Press Agency)
As Jamaica continues its robust economic recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has again emphasised the importance of tourism diplomacy as a key driver in boosting investment in Jamaica’s tourism product and attracting sustainable growth opportunities to the country. Minister Bartlett made the disclosure following the recent inaugural CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit in Riyadh, where he played a pivotal role in leading discussions around resilience building and sustainability.
The tourism minister formed a part of the delegation led by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, which participated in the summit alongside 14 heads of government from the Caribbean. Over three days, regional leaders engaged in high-level discussions with the Saudi Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud, his cabinet ministers, and private sector stakeholders. The event marked a significant development in the geopolitical arena, forging new perspectives on investments and tourism.
It was noted that the summit follows the initial visit by His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, to Jamaica in 2021, on the invitation of Minister Bartlett. Mr. Bartlett has also visited Saudia Arabia to continue discussions with Minister Al Khateeb and other stakeholders in a bid to forge a strong tourism partnership between both countries and fuel investments.
Minister Bartlett said: “This summit is a testament to the power of tourism as a tool for not only tourism related investments but for peace and diplomacy. It brings together nations with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, united by a common vision and an unwavering determination to improve the lives of their citizens.”
During the summit, the Saudi Crown Prince, who is the visionary behind the Saudi Vision 2030, addressed tourism ministers, industry professionals, and leaders. He outlined the Kingdom’s strategic plan, which is aimed at reducing the Kingdom’s reliance on oil, and places tourism at its forefront. Hosting World EXPO 2030 in Riyadh is a key aspiration, and the support from Caribbean nations is
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Jamaica Wins Tourism Awards in Dubai, as Bartlett Presents Resilience Awards
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, on the weekend received two major awards for Jamaica from the prestigious World Travel Awards, which is in its 30th year, at the landmark Burj Al Arab in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Minister Bartlett also as Founder and Chair of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), a thinktank based in Jamaica, handed out five Global Tourism Resilience Awards to two major Middle East corporations and three countries.
Belize announces an update of its National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan
Today, the Belizean Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations is calling on COP28 to put tourism centre stage at the summit and has announced its own ambitious initiative to update its National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan. This process was carried out by a collaboration between the University of Belize and the University of Melbourne, with the primary objective of ensuring Belize remains on a path of sustainable growth. As a result, the updated National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan has prioritized the need to plan and develop within a future that demands climate resilience and has developed an adaptation strategy for the tourism sector.
Responsible Tourism in the Belize Barrier Reef
A big focus in Belize at the moment is Responsible Tourism in the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the world’s second largest reef and continuing to protect the reef for future generations. The coral reef is a very fragile ecosystem, and visitors to Belize can help to preserve these living reefs for the protection and enjoyment of future generations in many ways. The Lionfish, with its striking appearance and venomous spines, is an invasive species that poses a significant threat to the Caribbean’s underwater biodiversity. This damaging species has quickly become a prolific predator, consuming native fish and disrupting the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Their rapid reproduction rates and lack of natural predators in the Caribbean have led to their population explosion, further exacerbating the damage they cause.
Minister Bartlett attends COP 28 to present inaugural Global Tourism Resilience Awards
Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, Hon. Edmund Bartlett will be in Dubai, UAE, on the occasion of COP 28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023, with global leaders and governments discussing how to limit and prepare for future climate change. The 28th edition of the summit is being held from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
NEOM announces Siranna, its exclusive tourism escape
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Minister Bartlett En Route to Paris for 173rd BIE General Assembly
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is set to represent Jamaica at the much anticipated 173rd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris, France. The BIE is the Intergovernmental Organization overseeing and regulating international exhibitions lasting more than three weeks, including World Expos, Specialised Expos, Horticultural Expos, and the Triennale di Milano.
Greening The Greek Experience: A collaborative approach to sustainable tourism
The first edition event brought together Greece’s tourism agency, industry leaders from airlines, tour operators, and various stakeholders in a collaborative effort to explore insights and strategies for fostering sustainable tourism.
Telefónica and UNWTO to promote digital, sustainable and inclusive tourism
The collaboration agreement will run until 2026 and will focus on digital entrepreneurship, innovation, application of new technologies (big data, artificial intelligence, etc.) and talent development.