Tourism Minister Describes Launch of TEA as Transformative

• Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Tourism Entertainment Academy (TEA) will not only redefine the island’s tourism landscape, but is also a transformative initiative aimed at harnessing the vibrant power of Jamaican entertainment.
• Speaking at the Academy’s launch at the Artisan Village in Falmouth, Trelawny, the Minister emphasised the vital role of entertainment as a significant value-added component of tourism.
• He said that the TEA, which represents a $50Mn investment in Jamaica’s cultural tourism future, is spearheaded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, and various key stakeholders. The initiative is a strategic intervention designed to professionalise the local entertainment industry while enhancing cultural experiences for both visitors and residents.
• Mr. Bartlett outlined four clear goals for the Academy: to professionalise and certify entertainment practitioners, deliver high-quality performers; generate a strong return on investment, and develop a national blueprint for entertainment within the tourism ecosystem.
• “The vision here extends beyond immediate training and certification. We are envisioning a future where Jamaica’s entertainment sector is fully capitalised, positioning the island as a leader in cultural tourism. If we can get this right, we will be way ahead of the game,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of this initiative in maintaining Jamaica’s competitive edge among regional rivals.

(Source: JIS)