The Ministry of Tourism is looking to add the annual Accompong Maroon celebration to its annual calendar of events as it looks to take advantage of the country’s rich cultural heritage to bring more visitors to the island. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said the Ministry intends to work with the Accompong community to develop the experience and market it...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says an additional $20 million will be allocated to complete the road leading to the Accompong Maroon village in St. Elizabeth. Addressing the annual Accompong Maroon celebrations in St. Elizabeth on January 6, Mr. Bartlett said he is satisfied that the initial sum of $9 million that was used to improve roads in the...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Ministry’s decision to venture into territories that were once considered inaccessible was an important contributor to the overall success of tourism in 2016. Speaking to JIS News, the Minister noted that a number of these new markets have started to open up, giving stakeholders a renewed sense of optimism and the belief...

Chairman of the National Cruise Council (NCC), Michael Belnavis, is lauding the Government’s anti-harassment efforts on the streets of Ocho Rios, noting that there are early indications they have been working. Mr. Belnavis points to the start of the cruise-shipping season where Ocho Rios has been experiencing an unusual amount of walking traffic from the cruise pier into the main...

Health tourism is poised for expansion as the Government takes steps to engage the diaspora as the first market in the sector. President of Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Diane Edwards, said the country is developing a competitive advantage over other Caribbean countries, as focus is placed on diagnostic and dental services. “We see opportunity for the health tourism industry taking...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says increased focus is being placed on Port Antonio, which he noted is an untapped market with vast potential. He noted that the Ministry has been pushing Port Antonio in the marketplace and the response has been very encouraging. “We are very big on Port Antonio and its high-end potential,” Mr. Bartlett said. “If...

For many Jamaicans with relatives overseas, receiving a barrel with gifts is a common occurrence. Though barrels are shipped to the island throughout the year, Jamaicans at home and abroad look forward to sending and receiving barrels at Christmas, which is the busiest period for the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA). Customs Manager for the JCA’s Operations Department, Alicia Christian-Scott, told...