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...

Residents of Montego Bay will be fêted at a free concert being organised by Hah-R-Mony Entertainment Limited in collaboration with the St. James Parish Council. The concert will be held on December 25 at the Old Hospital Park on Gloucester Avenue.  The event will include the presentation of gifts to more than 2,000 children. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett...

One of Jamaica’s top destination management companies (DMCs), Mojoa Tours, says there are early signs this winter tourist season will see an increase in air connectivity out of areas which were once considered unchartered territories. The company points to the December 12 non-stop direct chartered flight out of Austria and Switzerland into Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay as a prelude...