Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett departed the island for Madrid, Spain on Tuesday in preparation for the annual international travel and tourism fair FITUR.
Scheduled from January 24 to January 28, 2024, the event is known as Latin America’s premier travel trade fair and attracts tourism professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world.
FITUR: The forefront of Latin American tourism
FITUR assumes its role as the first major initiative of the year for tourism professionals, especially those from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Minister Bartlett emphasized its importance, saying it is a forum where connections are made, insights are shared and new opportunities are explored in the dynamic tourism sector.
Main initiatives
He is scheduled to lead a Jamaican delegation in high-level talks with the CEO of Grupo Pinero, which operates hotels and resorts in Bahia Principe.
Encarna Pinero and senior members of her team, Paqui Benitez and Jamie Sijal, will be in attendance.
The Minister will also attend the FITUR opening ceremony presided over by Their Majesties King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia.
In addition, he will also participate in a special reception for the Minister of Tourism and a networking session with international stakeholders at the trade fair.
Networking with key people
He will also attend a welcome reception hosted by Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and Sergio Díaz Granados, President of the CAF (Latin American Development Bank).
Showcasing Jamaica’s tourism potential
Minister Bartlett highlighted the importance of FITUR in terms of investment and networking opportunities.
He said Jamaica is expected to receive more than 3 million stopover visitors in 2024 and FITUR will showcase the country’s products, strengthen partnerships and explore paths to sustainable growth. It is said that it will serve as a valuable platform for
During his visit, Minister Bartlett will interact with representatives from Swiss airline Edelweiss Airlines and Canada’s Sunwing Vacations.
Media engagement: Sharing Jamaica’s story
The Minister participated in a series of media interactions, including interviews with RNE, Spain’s prominent public radio station, Cinco Díaz, a leading economic newspaper, and ABC Natural, a leading newspaper focused on the environment and sustainability. I plan to participate. Additionally, he will appear in an interview with Spain’s famous radio travel show, Onda Cero – Gente Viajera.
Additionally, the Minister will share insights into Destination Jamaica’s nature, food, culture and lifestyle in an interview with Hola Viajes.
The culmination of efforts
To conclude his work in Spain, Minister Bartlett will attend a traditional work breakfast at Inverotel.
He is scheduled to return to Jamaica on Saturday, January 27, 2024.