Jamaica is poised to generate a record US$3.3 billion in tourism earnings for 2018. This, according to Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who says that up to December 14, revenue inflows had increased by nine percent, with visitor arrivals up 5.3 per cent over the corresponding period in 2017. “That means that the US$3.3 billion will be a new benchmark...

Jamaica is receiving international expertise in undertaking the security audit of the tourism sector. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, announced in October that he had directed the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), to conduct the audit through its Destination Assurance Division. The objective, he said, was to identify gaps and ensure that the destination remains safe, secure, and seamless...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says that the warmth and hospitality of the Jamaican people, coupled with the iconic culture, are what set the country apart and give it a competitive advantage in the global tourism market. Noting that the industry “is now seeing arrival figures that were once unthinkable”, he said that the uniqueness of the people...

With a combined 3,025 years of service to the nation’s tourism industry, 56 sector workers were honoured at a gala dinner at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James, on December 16. Dubbed the Golden Tourism Day Awards, the recipients, representing almost every aspect of the tourism industry, received trophies, citations and other tokens of appreciation “for their stellar contributions”...

Ultra low-cost carrier Swoop, made its inaugural flight from Canada into the island on Sunday (December 16), landing at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay at approximately 12:45 p.m. with 196 passengers on board. A high-level delegation was on hand to greet the passengers and flight crew, presenting them with bead necklaces as gifts. Swoop, which is owned by...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica now boasts the most “seamless” airport system in the region. Addressing business interests and tourism stakeholders at the unveiling of 20 automated kiosks at the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, on December 16, Mr. Bartlett said the new machines will ensure that visitors are processed “in the quickest time possible”. “The point...

The Tourism Linkages Network has been reaping success through its efforts at strengthening the relationship between the tourism and the agricultural sectors, resulting in an increase in the demand and consumption of local produce by the hospitality industry. A major thrust, which has been bearing fruit, is the Tourism Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) pilot project, which has assisted 400 local farmers...