Outstanding contributors to Jamaica's tourism industry were recognised at the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) 65th Annual Awards Luncheon, held at Sandals Dunn's River in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on Saturday, June 27. The event celebrated individuals and organisations whose leadership, innovation and commitment have helped to strengthen Jamaica's tourism product. Among the top honours presented was the Lifetime...

The Ministry of Tourism is moving to implement a Tourism Supply Logistics Centre. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 23, said that the centre will be the fifth industry-specific Special Economic Zone under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act 2016. “So, the...

The Ministry of Tourism is advancing plans to implement a Local First Policy, designed to ensure that a greater share of tourism earnings remains in Jamaica. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (June 23). The Policy will build on the work of the...

Through the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) programme, more than 2,000 farmers have been connected to tourism demand, resulting in the sale of 2.57 million kilogrammes of produce. Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, made the disclosure during his 2026/27 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (June 23). Launched in 2017, ALEX is a collaborative initiative of the Tourism...

Jamaica welcomed just over one million stopover visitors along with 664,000 cruise passengers up to May 2026, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Speaking during the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (June 23), Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, noted that these out-turns were achieved with only 70 per cent of the tourism inventory available following...

Director of Tourism, Donovan White, says there has been a 60 per cent increase in visitor arrivals from Caribbean countries over the past three years, underscoring the success of targeted efforts to strengthen regional tourism. He attributed this growth primarily to the expansion of inter-Caribbean air connectivity, noting that increased airline services across the region have made travel between Caribbean...

Officials in two of Jamaica’s premier resort towns, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring unrestricted beach access, supported by strong management practices to provide a safe, seamless, and enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors. They note that the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has been tasked with overseeing waterfront and major urban development projects, including...