Mr. Bartlett said cruise lines remained eager to resume trips to Jamaica but must abide by stipulated guidelines, which call for everyone in the sector to adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols, while creating an environment that facilitates high levels of vaccinated workers. He said several countries are lifting their ban on cruise shipping and with cruise lines anxious to recover lost ground, the ports of call that are fully prepared for their visits will be more attractive. He also stressed that under the current guidelines almost every cruise passenger and worker will be fully vaccinated.

“We have been credited for our proactive approach in developing protocols for the tourism industry as well as our resilient corridors and these have enabled the reopening of the tourism sector with a positivity rate of less than 1.0 percent; it is now time for the cruise subsector to also play its part as we follow a strategic path in reimagining the tourism sector to rebuild faster, stronger and better,” he said.

Minister Bartlett outlined that the Ministry of Tourism will be working relentlessly, particularly in partnership with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), the Ministries of Health and Local Government in a bid to facilitate the vaccination of tourism workers across the island.

OA MEA E AVEA MAI LENEI TUSI:

Minister Bartlett outlined that the Ministry of Tourism will be working relentlessly, particularly in partnership with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), the Ministries of Health and Local Government in a bid to facilitate the vaccination of tourism workers across the island.
“We have been credited for our proactive approach in developing protocols for the tourism industry as well as our resilient corridors and these have enabled the reopening of the tourism sector with a positivity rate of less than 1.
It is now time for the cruise subsector to also play its part as we follow a strategic path in reimagining the tourism sector to rebuild faster, stronger and better,” he said.