BERLIN, Germany – Jamaica’s Minister for Tourism, The Honourable Edmund Bartlett, arrived in Germany on Tuesday, March 11 for ITB Berlin, the largest international travel trade exhibition in the world. Minister Bartlett will be in Berlin from 10-13 March and then travels onto London for further meetings.
Minister Bartlett leads a 20-strong Jamaican delegation to ITB including Carrole Guntley, Director General in the Ministry of Tourism, John Lynch, Director of Tourism,; and Lionel Reid, Executive Director of JAMVAC. Patricia Samuels, Regional Director JTB Europe and Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director JTB N/Europe and UK will also be in attendance. The Jamaican exhibitors include representatives from some of Jamaica’s finest hotels, resorts and attractions.
Minister Bartlett commented,‘It is critical for Jamaica to have a strong presence at ITB Berlin. Jamaica not only offers Europe a fantastic choice in accommodation and attractions, but a world class experience for excellent value for money. We have started the year well, and my job, as Jamaica’s chief salesman, is to continue to inspire this important market to choose Jamaica over and above anywhere else for their holiday this year.’
During the show, Minister and his team will conduct a series of high level meetings with tour operators and airlines servicing the German and European market including TUI, Kuoni, Thomas Cook, Jet Air and Condor. Minister Bartlett is also due to host a press conference for the European media on Thursday morning to discuss his vision for tourism on the island in 2009. Over 30 print, broadcast and online media are expected to attend.
L-R: Mr Lionel Reid Executive Director JAMVAC, Dr Carrole Guntley Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Minister of Tourism Honorable Edmund Bartlett, Mrs Patricia Samuels Regional Director JTB Europe, Mr Hans Van Wemel JTB Netherlands & Belgium.
ITB Berlin is the world’s leading tourism Business to Business platform and attracts over 108,000 trade visitors. It has more that 10,000 exhibitors from 180 countries around the world.
While in the UK, Minister Bartlett will take the opportunity to meet with members of the diaspora to discuss the vital role the community play in acting as Jamaica’s local tourism ambassadors.
