Bartlett Calls for Caribbean Tourism Bank to Support Regional Investment

Tourism financing proposal gains focus in Caribbean discussions

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has called for the creation of a dedicated Caribbean Tourism Bank, urging the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to support the development of a financial institution tailored to the region’s tourism sector.

Bartlett made the proposal during a luncheon held in his honour on 7 April, following meetings with members of the IDB Board of Directors in Washington, D.C. Addressing development finance officials, he noted that the Caribbean has long operated without an investment framework specifically designed for tourism.

He outlined the need for a regional institution that can develop financial products aligned with tourism demand and supply patterns, helping to address funding gaps across the sector.

Bartlett also referred to what he described as ongoing hesitation around tourism investment in the Caribbean, linking it in part to historical perceptions that have influenced how the sector is viewed.

He called for a shift in perspective to position tourism as a core economic driver, capable of supporting communities, generating employment, and contributing to infrastructure development.

The minister pointed to examples across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean where tourism activity has contributed to improvements in roads, utilities and local business opportunities.

He also reaffirmed the administration led by Andrew Holness’s commitment to ensuring that tourism growth delivers benefits at the community level.

In his remarks, Bartlett highlighted the IDB’s role in advancing the proposal, noting its regional reach and development mandate. He suggested that a dedicated tourism financing mechanism could help expand private-sector participation, improve resilience to climate-related risks, and support long-term growth.

The proposal comes as Jamaica continues its recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s impact on parts of the island’s western region and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen regional financial cooperation.