KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has declared Jamaica’s recovery “resilience in action” after revealing that the island welcomed over one million visitor arrivals and generated US$956 million in foreign exchange earnings in the first quarter of 2026, just five months after the disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, (centre) poses with Ambassador for Jamaica to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Anthony Anderson, Deputy Director of Tourism, Philip Rose and members of the Diaspora in Washington D.C at a reception held at the Embassy of Jamaica on Wednesday.Speaking to members of the Jamaican diaspora at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C. this week, Bartlett credited the global Jamaican community as among the country’s most powerful ambassadors, saying their influence has been critical in sustaining confidence in the destination during its recovery period.
“Before a traveller ever books a ticket, before they see a brochure or a campaign, they often hear about Jamaica through you,” Minister Bartlett told the gathering of professionals and community leaders in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area — home to over 38,000 Jamaicans. “You are among our most powerful ambassadors, and I mean that in the most literal sense.
He noted that Jamaica’s remarkable first-quarter performance did not happen by accident. Despite the disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa, the island’s tourism industry maintained momentum — a result Bartlett attributed in large part to the diaspora’s refusal to allow a negative narrative to take hold.
“These figures speak to the resilience of the destination and global support that our island continues to receive. The world is confident in our ability to recover from disruptions and deliver top-class hospitality at ever level,” the minister said.
He also highlighted that in an era of rampant misinformation, the diaspora serves as a critical line of defence for Jamaica’s global reputation. “Every time you speak positively about Jamaica, every time you correct a misconception, every time you invite someone to visit or return, you are actively strengthening our country’s resilience.”
Director of Tourism, Donovan White said surpassing one million visitor arrivals in under six months since the passage of Hurricane Melissa is a remarkable achievement for Jamaica.
“It speaks directly to the resilience of our tourism sector and the unwavering commitment of our partners and the Jamaican people. I extend sincere thanks for their continued confidence in our destination. Encouragingly, we have recorded year-to-date growth of 25% from Latin America and 7% from Asia—clear indicators that our strategy to diversify and expand into new markets is delivering meaningful results,” he said.
Minister Bartlett closed his address with a direct and personal call to action for every member of the Jamaican diaspora: “Tonight is both a thank you and an invitation. Continue telling our story with pride. Continue sharing the truth of who we are and correcting the misinformation. Continue encouraging others to experience Jamaica for themselves. And of course — continue coming home. Because Jamaica will always be your home.”
He contended that Jamaica’s story will not be defined by disruption, but by resilience, authenticity, and strength.
