Tag Archives: Jamaica

The Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett is assuring all visitors currently on the island that their safety remains the top priority as the country continues its comprehensive preparedness and response efforts for Hurricane Melissa. The Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC), activated under the Ministry of Tourism, is fully operational and serves as the central coordinating hub for all activities within the tourism sector related to the hurricane response. The Centre monitors development, coordinates communication, and ensures a seamless flow of information between hotels, attractions, trade and other key stakeholders, transportation providers, and relevant government agencies. The TEOC consistently liaises with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and other key partners to guarantee that all tourism entities are following established safety protocols. Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every visitor on the island is safe and supported during this period. “The safety and security of our visitors are paramount. Through the coordinated efforts of the TEOC and our industry partners, we are ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to protect and assist every guest. Jamaica’s tourism sector is built on strong partnerships and resilience, and those values are guiding our response currently.” The Minister has indicated that there are approximately 25,000 visitors on island and, “It’s all hands-on deck to ensure the safety of our visitors and locals alike.” As part of the collaborative response, hoteliers across the island are offering distress rates to assist visitors who may need to extend their stay, and shelter spaces have been made available for those requiring a safe place during the passage of the …

The Jamaica Tourist Board will host an exclusive webinar for GCC travel professionals on 29 October at 13:00 UAE time, highlighting the island’s premier luxury hospitality offerings. Discover the top five recommended stays, dining experiences, and activities in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios – from private villas and select restaurants to immersive cultural tours and close-to-nature activities. Attendees will also receive tips on crafting bespoke itineraries for clients, including a sample getaway. Whether catering to families or high-net-worth travelers, this session is a gateway to selling Jamaica with confidence.

Jamaica is planning to build 11,500 new hotel rooms by 2030 as it looks to grow its tourism sector and welcome more visitors from the Middle East, says Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). “We want to attract more travellers from the GCC, so we’re building high-quality hotels with brands they already know and trust,” White said. He explained that many visitors from the Middle East prefer luxury international hotel brands, and Jamaica is working to bring those brands into the country. Jamaica has also been building strong connections with the region through events like the Arabian Travel Market and is exploring new flight options to improve access. To support this growth, the government is upgrading airports, improving road networks, and planning a third international airport, making it easier and faster for tourists to travel across the island.

Jamaica has officially launched a new era in tourism, welcoming 160 global buyers from regions including the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Europe to JAPEX 2025. The event signals a fresh path forward for the island’s tourism sector, centered on innovation, inclusivity, and a powerful new “local first” approach.  Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett praised Nicola Madden-Greig, Chair of JAPEX Planning Committee for her leadership in helping the Caribbean achieve the fastest tourism recovery post-COVID. He also emphasised the role of tourism as a key driver of the economy, powering growth and opportunity across Jamaica.  “This is the year of new thinking in tourism,” said Minister Bartlett. “We want to make the next five years a time of serious growth, development, and inclusive tourism. We aim to deepen local involvement in the rich and lucrative tourism value chain, so that tourism works even more for the people of Jamaica.”  He added that new policies and legislation will support this “local first” approach, with global partners playing a key role in making tourism more beneficial for Jamaicans than ever before. With global tourism expected to reach 3 billion travellers by 2035, Jamaica is preparing to redefine its role on the world tourism stage.