Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has underscored the pivotal role of Montego Bay, St. James, in Jamaica’s post-Hurricane Melissa tourism recovery, noting that the city will be critical to boosting the island’s economy during the upcoming winter tourist season. Following recent tours he led of Ocho Rios and Negril, Minister Bartlett described the “journey to the tourism Mecca of the...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has commended MBJ Airports Limited, operator of the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James, for the integral role it is playing in Jamaica’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. Mr. Bartlett, accompanied by representatives from relevant agencies and key tourism stakeholders, visited the airport on Friday (November 28), where he paid tribute to the...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has welcomed the support from private sector organisations in the establishment of a $1billion fund, to assist tourism workers affected by Hurricane Melissa. “The most precious asset of our tourism industry is our staff. In moments of adversity, our people rise to the occasion. I am profoundly impressed by how quickly the sector mobilised...

Jamaica has welcomed 32,000 cruise passengers from eight ships since Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28. This was noted by Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, on Thursday (November 20), when he addressed business interests and other stakeholders in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. The Minister projected that the same tally would be reached in Ocho Rios next week, pushing the...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is inviting travellers to support Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts by booking a trip to the country. The sector is set to reopen on December 15 after the impact of Hurricane Melissa. “We are well on our way to having the industry largely restored by mid-December and we are rebuilding in a way that is smarter, safer...

Issa Trust Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Couples Resorts, renowned for its longtime dedication to education and healthcare, has launched an emergency relief fund to support employees affected by Hurricane Melissa. In a message to staff, guests, and the broader community, Foundation Chairman, Paul Issa, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to relief and recovery efforts. “We’re deeply saddened by the...

People who operate businesses in and around Ocho Rios have expressed joy and optimism at the reopening of the main port in the resort town to accommodate cruise-ship arrivals. The Ohio Rios Port was closed in February 2024 after strong winds slammed a docked cruise ship into the pier causing severe structural damage. During the closure, scheduled ships were rerouted...