Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, says tourism and entertainment will benefit tremendously from the opening of a new Usain Bolt Tracks and Records franchise in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. Addressing the official opening of the facility on September 14, Ms. Grange noted that with Usain Bolt’s popularity as one of the world’s greatest athletes, she...

The runway at the Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel, St. Mary, is to be expanded to accommodate larger planes, making it easier for visitors wishing to go to the neighbouring parishes of St. Ann and Portland. “Air connectivity is the essence of building visitor arrival. The Ian Fleming expansion will open up new opportunities for a different type of...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Caribbean as a region needs to rethink its tourism marketing strategy and would be better served bonding together as opposed to individual islands going it alone. Addressing tourism stakeholders from across the region at the inaugural Island Routes Certified Partner Conference at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Government is looking at lands in south-western Jamaica for the establishment of a health and wellness centre, to enhance the tourism product. Speaking at the opening of the Caribbean Cannabis Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in St. James, on September 2, the Minister said the area being explored is in the...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the aim for an annual five per cent growth is well on track, following confirmation by Karisma Hotels and Resorts that the groundbreaking for its US$900-million mega hotel development project will commence in January 2017. Addressing tourism interests and other stakeholders at Sangster International Airport, in Montego Bay, on August 26, Mr. Bartlett...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has lauded resort operators in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, for enabling Jamaica to gross approximately US$2.6 billion in earnings from visitor arrivals in 2015. “Treasure Beach contributed US$82.4 million of that amount; and you do it with the smallest cluster of tourism enterprises in Jamaica. But you do it because you have a particular brand,...

The Ministry of Tourism has established a $20 million loan facility for the operators of small resorts and attractions in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth. Beneficiaries can access up to $2 million each under the scheme, which is being financed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and administered by Jamaica National Small Business Loans Limited. This provision is part of the...