Jamaica and Spain to sign strategic tourism partnership

Jamaica's Ministry of Tourism and its counterpart in Spain are expected to sign a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MOU) which will mark a significant step forward in international tourism cooperation between the two nations.

The agreement will establish a framework for collaboration across several key areas crucial to tourism development and will focus on four strategic pillars: gastronomy, human capital development, tourism resilience and sustainability, and technical support through staff exchanges.

For Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett "this partnership represents a milestone in Jamaica's tourism evolution." 

"In terms of gastronomy, by combining Jamaica's vibrant culinary heritage with Spain's world-renowned gastronomy expertise, we're creating unprecedented opportunities for knowledge sharing and cultural exchange," said Bartlett.

A release from the Ministry of Tourism outlined that the collaboration will facilitate the exchange of best practices in sustainable tourism management, with both countries committed to developing resilient tourism models that can withstand global challenges. The staff exchange programme will enable tourism professionals from both nations to gain hands-on experience in their respective markets, fostering innovation and professional growth.

Key areas of cooperation include the development of culinary tourism initiatives and gastronomy programmes; implementation of sustainable tourism practices and resilience strategies; professional development and training programmes for tourism sector workers and the exchange of technical expertise through bilateral staff placement programmes.

“This will be a strong area of collaboration for Jamaica’s tourism sector as both countries exchange ideas geared towards improving both country’s tourism products. Global disruptions have proven that we are stronger together and I look forward to this new partnership,” added Bartlett.

The partnership is expected to strengthen both countries' tourism sectors while creating new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth.

The tourism minister departed the island on Sunday for Madrid, Spain, to attend the 45th staging of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), one of the world’s leading travel and tourism tradeshows. This event, which runs from January 22 to 26, 2025, provides a crucial platform for international tourism stakeholders to showcase their offerings, foster new business relationships, and explore future opportunities.