A stunning mural, the latest addition to the Downtown Kingston Art District, was unveiled by the Ministry of Tourism, on World Tourism Day, September 27, as part of activities to mark Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2024. Executed through a collaborative effort between the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and Kingston Creative, the mural, titled “Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love,” is a vibrant representation of Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage and the unifying role of tourism. The project was brought to life by lead muralist Sheldon Blake, with assistance from Rohan Cargill, and stands as a striking symbol of the connection between tourism, peace, and cultural exchange.
The mural, located on Peters Lane, celebrates Jamaica’s tourism industry by showcasing elements of the island’s music, fruits, craft vendors, and iconic tourist attractions, such as Devon House and rafting on the Rio Grande. It serves not only as an artistic statement but also as a reminder of the nation’s resilience, peacebuilding efforts, and the pivotal role that tourism plays in fostering understanding across cultures.
The mural’s unveiling was the penultimate event of TAW 2024, which ran from September 22-28, under the theme “Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love.”
In his message read by Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Griffith, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett expressed that the mural was a reflection of Jamaica’s thriving tourism sector. “Tourism has long been a powerful force for good, connecting people from all walks of life, fostering understanding, and creating an environment where peace thrives through mutual respect and cross-cultural exchange. The mural we are unveiling today will be a visual representation of how tourism brings us together – breaking down barriers, healing divides, and celebrating the beauty of our diversity,” the Minister expressed.
The Minister also stressed that Jamaica has welcomed three million stopover and cruise visitors so far this year, generating approximately US$3 billion in earnings.
He also highlighted the sector’s resilience in the face of challenges. Minister Bartlett underscored that: “Despite various challenges relating to US travel advisories, hurricane Beryl, and tightness in airlift, we are marginally ahead of last year’s performance and remain on track to achieve our target of securing 5 million visitors and US$5 billion in earnings by 2025. This resilience, this ability to bounce back, is proof of our dedication and the value we place on our tourism product. Tourism is not just an economic driver; it is a bridge to peace, understanding, and collaboration.
Wade Mars, Executive Director of TPDCo, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the mural’s deep connection to Kingston’s identity. “This mural, beautifully created by the talented Sheldon Blake, holds deep significance, especially here in Kingston, the heartbeat of the island. Our capital city is more than a hub of commerce and government; it is a cultural landmark – a place where Jamaica’s rich history, vibrant music, and dynamic art scene converge. A mural of this nature, promoting peace through tourism, is a most fitting addition to the Downtown Kingston Art District,” Mars said.
The unveiling of the mural on World Tourism Day, celebrated under the global theme “Tourism and Peace,” was especially meaningful to Kingston Creative, the organisation which partnered on the project. Deputy Director Janet Crick expressed Kingston Creative’s excitement about the impact of such artwork on the community. “We here at Kingston Creative are so elated that the addition of these murals to this space has, as we have learned from the true testimonies of many, brought a sense of well-being to those who traverse the streets. We hope that with the addition of this mural, ‘Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love,’ it will bring many more and much more love,” Crick remarked. (https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/tourism-ministry-unveils-tourism-and-peace-out-of-many-one-love-mural-downt/)
