Jamaica’s 70th Tourism Milestone Celebration In New York

Jamaica. Photo: ©luckyphotographer/123rf

In a powerful display of Caribbean unity, the United States, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda gathered in New York City to honor Jamaica’s remarkable seventy-year tourism legacy. The Jamaica Tourist Board’s milestone 70th anniversary celebration brought together top tourism officials, dignitaries, and industry leaders from across the region, highlighting decades of collaboration, cultural exchange, and the shared vision of strengthening the Caribbean’s position as a global tourism powerhouse.

Jamaica, Caribbean Tourism Leaders Celebrate 70 Years of Island Excellence with Grand New York Showcase

For seventy years, Jamaica has captivated global audiences with its magnetic culture, lush landscapes, and world-renowned hospitality. This commemorative gathering provided a platform for reflection, recognition, and recommitment to Jamaica’s leading role in Caribbean tourism.

Demonstrating strong regional unity, a distinguished group of Caribbean tourism leaders and dignitaries came together with the Jamaica Tourist Board at the commemorative event. Representing Jamaica was the nation’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Director of Tourism Donovan White, and Deputy Director Philip Rose. Their presence reaffirmed Jamaica’s strategic commitment to elevating the Caribbean’s collective travel profile.

The event drew an impressive lineup of prominent attendees, such as Alsion Wilson Roach, who serves as Jamaica’s Consul General in New York; Hon. Marsha Tamika Henderson, the Tourism Minister of St. Kitts; Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and current Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Council of Ministers and Commissioners; along with Hon. Carlos James, the Tourism Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

They were joined by Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism for Turks and Caicos; Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture for Saint-Martin; Dean Fenton, U.S. Director for the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority; and Dona Regis-Prosper, the Secretary-General and CEO of the CTO. Their participation emphasized the power of collaboration among Caribbean nations in crafting a united and competitive tourism presence on the world stage.

A Night of Culture, Vision, and Connection

The event itself was a festive showcase of Jamaica’s cultural heartbeat, featuring traditional music, vibrant performances, and authentic island hospitality. It reflected the spirit of “One Love,” a theme that has long resonated with Jamaica’s global fanbase and continues to inspire its tourism messaging today.

During his opening address, Minister Bartlett delivered a captivating summary of Jamaica’s remarkable evolution over the past seventy years.
From the early days of charter tourism to becoming a premier destination for wellness travel, cruise tourism, and cultural immersion, Jamaica’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and global impact.

But the night was not solely about the past—it also offered a clear look forward.

Introducing “70 Days of Jamaica Love”

To commemorate its seventieth anniversary, the Jamaica Tourist Board has unveiled a special tourism initiative named “70 Days of Jamaica Love.” This campaign has been thoughtfully crafted to mark the island’s historic milestone while offering a vibrant celebration of its rich culture and heritage. back to travelers, this initiative extends exclusive savings on accommodations, tours, and attractions to visitors booking between June 4 and August 12, 2025.

Travel under this campaign is valid until April 30, 2026, allowing guests ample time to plan their Jamaican getaway. This limited-time offer encourages deeper travel engagement and aims to increase arrivals during both peak and off-peak seasons, reinforcing Jamaica’s position as a year-round destination.

More than just a promotion, “70 Days of Jamaica Love” reflects the Board’s gratitude to loyal visitors and its invitation for new travelers to discover what makes Jamaica unique—from its breathtaking Blue Mountains and sun-kissed shores, pulsing with reggae beats and the rich flavors of jerk spices.
Jamaica’s Legacy and the Caribbean’s Future

The 70th-anniversary celebration was a powerful testament to Jamaica’s influence within the global travel community and its unwavering role in the advancement of Caribbean tourism. As the island continues to innovate in areas like digital transformation, sustainability, and experiential travel, it also strengthens its regional partnerships, as evidenced by the wide-ranging support from Caribbean tourism ministers.

The collaborative presence of leaders from Saint Kitts, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos, Saint-Martin, and others reaffirmed a shared Caribbean vision—one that values authenticity, sustainability, and economic growth through tourism.

As Jamaica enters its eighth decade in the industry, the nation’s tourism sector remains focused on strategic development, improved visitor experiences, and elevating the Caribbean’s status in the global marketplace.

The United States, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda joined Jamaica in New York City to celebrate seventy years of tourism leadership, unity, and Caribbean cooperation at the Jamaica Tourist Board’s milestone anniversary event.

Backed by a proud history and driven by a bold vision for the future, Jamaica’s 70th anniversary celebration transcended a single event, becoming a true movement. A celebration of culture, collaboration, and commitment to ensuring that the next seventy years are even more impactful than the last.

Source: Travel and Tour World