KINGSTON — Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, has been named the Worldwide Tourism Minister of the Year by Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA).

Bartlett received his award last week before an audience of international travel and tourism leaders at the ITB global tourism tradeshow. Over 109,000 visitors and 10,000 exhibitors attended this year’s show in Berlin.

Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, commended Bartlett for his work ethic and business savvy: “Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism has been working tirelessly to position Jamaica as a leading destination for business and leisure travel. On behalf of the people of Jamaica, I congratulate him on this prestigious award bestowed by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association.”

White added that the award “underscores Jamaica’s impact on the global tourism market.” The destination also received the PATWA International Travel Award 2017 for the Best Destination for Adventure Tourism.