Jamaica has secured another major moment on the global stage after Minister Edmund Bartlett was named among the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Global Top 100 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Edition – Class of 2026. The prestigious honour recognises leaders shaping the future of global travel and hospitality, with Bartlett dedicating the achievement to the Jamaican people, saying, “This recognition is not just for me, but for Jamaica.”
The announcement was made on Global Africa Day by Most Influential People of African Descent in partnership with The Pyne Awards Africa. The annual list celebrates 100 outstanding individuals of African descent whose work is influencing aviation, destination marketing, cultural storytelling and hospitality around the world. Bartlett’s inclusion reflects Jamaica’s continued prominence as a global tourism powerhouse and recognises his leadership in areas such as sustainable tourism development, diaspora engagement and destination resilience.
Reacting to the honour, Bartlett described the recognition as a tribute to the Jamaican people and the country’s unique cultural identity. “Tourism must continue to be a vehicle for empowerment, for telling our stories and for connecting the African diaspora to opportunity,” he said. The Minister has played a central role in positioning Jamaica as one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations, championing initiatives focused on health and safety innovation, community tourism and international partnerships designed to strengthen the island’s year-round tourism appeal.
Bartlett first served as Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism between 2007 and 2011 before returning to the portfolio in 2016 following the Jamaica Labour Party’s election victory. Since then, he has remained one of the country’s most recognisable tourism advocates on the international stage. The Class of 2026 honourees will be formally celebrated during upcoming MIPAD events, including Diaspora Week in Lagos and recognition ceremonies in New York City between October 2026 and January 2027, further highlighting Jamaica’s influence in shaping the future of global travel.
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