The Government is continuing to make the development and diversification of the tourism product a priority, guided by the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development, Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, notes that a joint ministerial body has, therefore, drafted a policy and strategy on health and wellness tourism in Jamaica, identifying medical tourism as the focal...

It began operations in 1986 with a batch of 80 trainees, as the Runaway Bay HEART Academy, mainly aimed at satisfying the demand for skilled workers in the hospitality industry. The training programmes at that time consisted of six months of theoretical training and six months of practical experience in a hotel environment, where trainees performed customer service-based duties. In...

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has won the coveted Gold Adrian Award for public relations excellence, presented by Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). The agency was recognised for its entry in the television category titled: ‘Revisiting Our Roots’ featuring NBC TODAY Show co-hosts Jenna Wolfe and Lester Holt. JTB’s Deputy Director in charge of Marketing, Sandra Scott, was...

Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, says that as of Sunday, March 2, advertisements will be placed in the two major newspapers, which will indicate where and when registration will begin for jet ski operators. The ads will also specify the documents that the operators will need to take with them to facilitate registration. The Minister, who was...

The Government is to spend approximately $44 million to upgrade the Harbour Street Craft Market in Montego Bay, St. James. Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, told journalists at the Jamaica House Press Briefing on February 26, that Cabinet has approved the award of contract to Marshall Construction Company to undertake repairs to the market. “Under this contract, repairs...

Jamaica was a much sought after destination at the 10th annual Washington DC Travel and Adventure Show held from February 22 to 23 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Destination Jamaica was on brilliant display as the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), along with hotels and attractions such as Sandals, Beaches, Mystic Ridge Resorts, Island Routes, and tour operators, mounted...

The Runaway Bay HEART Hotel and Training Institute, the premier hospitality training institution in the island, has been renamed the HEART College of Hospitality Services. The name change reflects the 27-year old institution’s new college status, and strategic focus aimed at enhancing its contribution to national development, and the realization of the Vision 2030 targets, said Executive Director of HEART...