Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI), a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, successfully provided professional certification to over 15,000 individuals, bolstering the nation's commitment to human capital development in the tourism sector.
He said: "Human capital is the heartbeat of a thriving tourism industry. With the successful certification of over 15,000 individuals through the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation, we've fortified our nation's dedication to nurturing and empowering our greatest asset.
“Investing in our people not only enhances their skills but also elevates the entire tourism sector's capacity to deliver unparalleled experiences. They are the catalysts for sustainable growth and the soul of our hospitality - their development is our greatest investment.”
Bartlett, who made this announcement at the World Travel Market's Ministers' Summit in London, emphasised the pivotal role of JCTI in Jamaica's tourism industry, particularly in cultivating the skills and expertise of its workforce. The World Travel Market's Minister's Summit, executed in association with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), served as a platform for global Tourism Ministers to discuss the significance of training and development in the tourism sector.
"Jamaica has always been a thought leader in driving human capital development because our most important resource in tourism is our workers, “said Minister Bartlett.
“They are the ones who, through their high touch service and hospitality, have kept visitors returning at a 42 per cent repeat rate and have become a core part of our growth strategy." He commended JCTI for its pivotal role in achieving this milestone.
Through its partners’ training and certification programmes, JCTI has empowered high school students in fourteen colleges and tourism workers with specialised certification. Since 2017, the centre has awarded over 15,000 certifications in crucial areas such as customer service, restaurant servers, and executive chefs, among others.
"If we train our young people, then they can be classified which will change the labour market arrangements to allow them to be rewarded based on merit and equity," he added. The World Travel Market, one of the largest tourism trade shows globally, facilitates £2.8 billion in industry deals.
It features participation from around 5,000 exhibitors representing 182 countries and regions, with over 51,000 participants. The recognition of JCTI's accomplishments at this esteemed event underscores the organisation's dedication to the human capital development strategy on which the sustainable development plans of the Ministry of Tourism rests.
JCTI continues to be a driving force behind the development of the tourism workforce, laying the foundation for a competitive, innovative, and equitable future in the sector.
