Bartlett Activates Recovery Task Force and Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has set a firm target for Jamaica’s tourism industry to be fully back in operation by December 15, 2025. To deliver on that goal, the Ministry has activated a high-level Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and a companion...

Tourism stakeholders across the island are adopting an all-hands-on-deck approach as the sector braces for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa. Speaking to JIS News on Friday (Oct. 24),  Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Area Chairperson for Montego Bay, Kerry Ann Quallo Casserly, said that there has been a high-level of preparedness, marked by regular meetings and continuous dialogue...

As Tropical Storm Melissa edges closer to Jamaica, local tourism stakeholders across the island are tightening procedures and reinforcing safety to protect staff, guests and clients. Executives, hoteliers and attraction operators say they are ready to adapt operations quickly, while prioritising life and property. Lowell Spence, owner of Smokeez Seafood Restaurant in Rose Hall, St James, told JIS News in...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has announced a Local First Policy, aimed at ensuring that Jamaicans benefit from the successes of the country’s tourism industry. Speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (October 14), he said that the policy provides that every new investment in tourism must translate into jobs, contracts, and opportunities for Jamaicans. “It enshrines the...

Jamaica is projecting to welcome 4.3 million visitors for 2025, which is expected to generate US$4.6 billion in revenues. Providing an update on the sector during yesterday’s (October 14) sitting of the House of Representatives, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said as the world rediscovers travel, Jamaica stands ready, not just to welcome visitors but to lead the region...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is calling on Jamaican investors to capitalize on the current favourable economic environment to invest in the country. “The Government has created economic certainty, a proper regulatory environment, an environment where [investors] can get access to credit that they must take advantage of,” Dr. Holness stated. The Prime Minister was speaking at...

School children who might be experiencing distress and suicidal feelings are being urged to seek help, as resource persons are available to assist them. According to National Tourism Champion, Kayda Lee McLean, a student at the St. Catherine-based Charlemont High School, responsible adults are in the communities and at schools, and “when young people reach that limit, they can go...