KINGSTON, Jamaica, Sept 16, CMC – Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS) has accumulated more than six billion dollars (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) in savings, with over 10,800 workers registered.
In a virtual address to a media breakfast as part of the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), now under way in St. Ann on the island’s north coast, Bartlett said the initiative is also gaining international attention, with the United Nations Tourism identifying Jamaica’s pension scheme as a model that could have wider application in the global tourism industry.
“This is a revolutionary activity. Even this morning, before I came to this session, I had meetings with the UN Tourism, and they cited Jamaica’s model of the comprehensive worker pension scheme as being eminent and also something that they think must be put into the mainstream of tourism activity across the world,” he said.
Bartlett said the scheme was established in recognition of the need to provide tourism workers with a social safety net and greater financial security upon retirement.
“I remember when the idea was born and that we recognised that tourism workers needed this social safety net because they work, they give of their lives, and at the end of the day, they end up in penury in a lot of instances. We have changed that future, and this programme and this policy will change that whole scenario,” he said, making reference to efforts to further professionalise the tourism industry and improve the position of workers within the sector.
“Our effort is going to be to professionalise the industry, train, certify and be able to classify workers in the industry, so that their remuneration can also reflect that new arrangement,” said Bartlett.
He said that tourism workers are central to the continued development of the industry, particularly as Jamaica seeks to strengthen the quality of the experience provided to visitors.
“Service for us represents 60 per cent of the value of the experience that a visitor has. And we want to be known as a destination that offers the best service.”
Meanwhile, Bartlett has announced that Jamaica will host World Travel Week, a major gathering of global tourism stakeholders, from October 10–15, describing it as “a statement that Jamaica is ready, willing, and able to lead the global conversation on the future of travel.”
Bartlett made the announcement in Dubai where he unveiled the Tourism Resilience Awards, a new initiative recognizing individuals, businesses, and communities across Jamaica, and wider region, who have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity — from hurricanes and the pandemic to economic and climate shocks.
“Tourism resilience is not an abstract concept to us. It is a lived reality,” Bartlett said, citing the hotel workers, tour operators, and guesthouse owners who kept the industry moving through crisis.
He said that the initiative would help document and share best practices with destinations worldwide.
“World Travel Week gives us an opportunity to share that knowledge, showcase our innovation and connect with global partners on solutions that will strengthen tourism for the future.”
Director of Tourism Donovan White said, “Jamaica has earned its place as one of the world’s most recognised tourism destinations and hosting World Travel Week will showcase our exemplary hospitality and world class experiences.”
World Travel Week forms part of the prestigious World Travel Awards that was established in in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across every key sector of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised worldwide as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.
World Travel Week 2026 will include the following official events; World Travel Awards; World MICE Awards; World Culinary Awards; World Social Media Awards; World Travel Tech Awards; World Cruise Awards; World Villa Awards; 10 Best Showcase; and Global Tourism Resilience Awards.
CMC/fg/ir/2026