Tourism key to JA achieving the MDGs – Bartlett

“(Jamaica’s) vibrant tourism industry continues to play a key role in ensuring that Jamaica achieves its objectives as stated in the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).”

That was the word of Edmund Bartlett, the Minister of Tourism, who addressed told the Minister’s Round-Table meeting at the UNWTO 19^th General Assembly underway in Gyeongju, South Korea earlier this week.

Mr. Bartlett told the meeting that “despite trying economic times, Jamaica has made significant strides toward achieving the 2015 MDGs include(ing) the achievement of the targeted reduction in malnutrition, achieving 90% net enrollment in primary schools; reversing malaria and tuberculosis; improved access to reproductive health services; affording 92% of the population with safe drinking water and basic sanitation, and remaining on track in the fight against HIV/AIDS and increasing access to Antiretroviral drugs.”

Mr. Bartlett said the Tourism Minister is spearheading a number of activities in support of achieving the Millennium Development Goals including efforts which are well advanced in assisting small and medium sized business operators to benefit from the wealth that the industry brings to Jamaica.  

The minister told the meeting that Jamaica remains committed to the work of the UNWTO’s Global Code of Ethics, the Sustainable Tourism Elimination of Poverty programme and the Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, as they work toward achieving the MDGs.

He said “as a country Jamaica understands the development potential of tourism. We remain optimistic about the role this most important industry can and has been playing in the achievement of the MDGs, as we approach the target date of 2015.”