Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett (centre) jokes with top executives of TUI during a reception at Round Hill Villas in Hanover on Wednesday. From left are Oliver Dorscherck, Johann Lundgren, David Burlington and Tim Williamson. - Photo by Noel Thompson

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Ministry of Tourism and the German-based TUI Travel PLC, the world's largest tour operator, have struck a deal which will guarantee a minimum number of arrivals annually for the next three years.

Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, made the announcement along with TUI's top brass, at a reception held at the Round Hill Villas in Hanover Wednesday night.

Bartlett declined, however, to outline the specifics of the joint agreement between the parties.

"Discussions are very advanced. We have just concluded a letter of intent, which will create the framework for the agreement to follow by January 31, 2010," said Bartlett.

He noted that Jamaica stood to benefit from the synergy with a partner that is as large and important on the global tourism landscape as TUI, adding that the government's role was to continue to find partners to ensure the growth of the industry.

Bartlett declined to disclose whether or not there was a cost involved in inking the deal.

"If we are required to do that, it will be part of our marketing budget that we will put aside to stimulate that area," he said.

greater global reach

He also said he was confident that other large tour operators would join forces, giving Jamaica greater global reach.

"This is very important for Jamaica's strategy for growth in the European market. This partnership is critical for us in driving the European traffic to Jamaica."

The minister expressed the government's appreciation for the decision TUI had made.

"We are looking towards that partnership materialising. That will result in significant movement in arrivals and revenue," Bartlett told TUI's top executives.

TUI's director, Johann Lundgren, said Jamaica remained an important destination for TUI, which sends 70,000 visitors to the island annually.

The director said TUI's relationship with Jamaica had been going on for over 20 years.