Following the annual strategic meeting with Inverotel, one of the largest Spanish hotel investment groups, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has been negotiating better labour market arrangements for the backbone of Jamaica's tourism sector, its workforce.
A meeting has been held involving key representatives from Inverotel and senior Jamaican tourism officials on the margins of FITUR, the leading tourism trade fair now being held in Spain.
Established in 2007, the Inverotel Group now has 18 members from various hotel chains, which together have around 100,000 rooms across the Americas and the Caribbean.
The discussions, lead by Bartlett, focused on a comprehensive plan that is to address three critical areas: housing accessibility, professional development through training, and retirement security.
"Our tourism workers are the heart and soul of Jamaica's hospitality sector," said Bartlett.
"This initiative represents the commitment of our largest investors to our workers’ well-being and professional growth, ensuring a sustainable future for both our employees and the sector," he added
The multi-faceted plan that Inverotel is said to have committed to support includes providing affordable housing solutions and a professional excellence initiative that is to look at comprehensive training programmes aligned with international hospitality standards.
The training initiative is to involve collaboration with the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation, is expected to provide possibilities for industry-recognised certification, career advancement pathways, and skills development.
Two major components that the group is said to have also committed to, include full payment of gratuity and support for staff participation in the Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme, to ensure social security for the workers in retirement.
“We welcome this level of commitment by our Spanish hotel partners, and it represents a significant investment in our workers,” said Bartlett.
“By addressing fundamental needs like housing, professional development and retirement security, we're not just supporting our workers - we're strengthening Jamaica's entire tourism sector,” he added.
Bartlett is leading a delegation of tourism officials at FITUR 2025 in Madrid, Spain. The event is a major tourism fair, with 152 countries being represented.
