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Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (centre), cuts the ribbon to officially reopen the Bahia Principe Runaway Bay in St. Ann on Wednesday (April 1). Joining Mr. Bartlett are (from left) Managing Director of Bahia Principe, Jonay Guerra, and Tourism Director, Donovan White.

Bahia Principe Reopening Signals Strong Tourism Rebound After Hurricane Melissa

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the local sector continues its strong rebound from the effects of Hurricane Melissa with the reopening of the Bahia Principe Runaway Bay property in St. Ann, marking another major step in the country’s recovery....

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

Minister Bartlett Heads to Washington DC on April 7 for Four-Day Working Visit

A local artisan proudly displays her products during a previous staging of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) ‘Craft with a Difference’ event.

TPDCo to Host ‘Craft with A Difference’ Pop-Up Market At Devon House

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, addresses the recent launch of the Carnival in Jamaica Economic Impact Assessment Findings,

held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. — Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, addresses the recent launch of the Carnival in Jamaica Economic Impact Assessment Findings, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

Carnival An Economic Engine – Minister Bartlett

Executive Director, Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Dr. Carey Wallace.

Jamaicans Urged to Capitalise on Tourism Opportunities

Reggae Music Director, Tourism Entertainment Academy, Othneil “Taddy P” Campbell (second left), in conversation with members of the Reggae Band during one of their rehearsal sessions.

3 months ago Tourism

Tourism Entertainment Academy Participants Gain Live Performance Experience

The first cohort of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) Tourism Entertainment Academy (TEA) is now benefiting from the live performance stage of the programme. The cohort includes 18 participants across jazz, reggae and comedy. Speaking in a recent interview with JIS News, Executive Director, TEF, Dr. Carey Wallace, said that participants are gaining practical experience and exposure that will prepare...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, sips coffee during a tour of the Café Blue booth at the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee and Jamaica Food & Drink festival event at Hope Gardens, St. Andrew, on Saturday (March 7). Looking on is Customer Service Executive, Café Blue, Samantha Francis.

3 months ago Tourism

Jamaica Looking to Capture Larger Share of Gastronomy Tourism

Jamaica is looking to capture a larger share of the global gastronomy market, estimated at US$2.1 trillion last year, by positioning its local cuisine as a key driver for tourism and economic growth. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said that culinary experiences are a primary driver of tourist expenditure. He noted that last year, global tourism saw 1.4 billion...

3 months ago Tourism

Tourism Workers Pension Scheme Surpasses $5B in Savings

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has announced that the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme has now surpassed $5 billion in savings since its inception. “I would like to indicate, by way of out-turn, that the world-class, world-standard, historic Tourism Workers Pension Scheme, in its first two years… notwithstanding [Hurricanes] Melissa and Beryl… stands now at $5.1 billion,” he said. Mr. Bartlett...

3 months ago Hurricane Relief & RecoveryTourism

All Hotels Expected to Fully Reopen by December 2026

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, announced on March 6 that all hotels are expected to be fully operational by December 2026, following the devastation caused to the sector by Hurricane Melissa. He noted that while early stakeholder assessments had suggested that only about 80 per cent of rooms would be available, the recovery outlook has since improved. “The energy and...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right), and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Aubyn Hill (left), share a light moment with Owner, Paris Ruby Gourmet, Zelecia Smith, while visiting her booth during a previous staging of the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival.

4 months ago Tourism

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival Partners with Jamaica Food and Drink Festival for 2026 Staging

Two of Jamaica’s premier festivals will converge on Saturday, March 7, when the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival partners with the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival to deliver a one-of -a-kind gastronomic showcase. The event will be held on Saturday, March 7 at Hope Gardens, from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. Director of the Tourism Linkages Network, Carolyn McDonald Riley,...

4 months ago AgricultureTourism

$1.46B Being Channelled Through Redi II to Strengthen Tourism and Agriculture Initiatives

A sum of $1.46 billion will be allocated in fiscal year 2026/27 to advance initiatives that expand market access and promote climate-resilient practices for targeted beneficiaries in the tourism and agriculture sectors. The allocation, provided under the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) II, is detailed in the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure, which was recently tabled in the House of Representatives...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, delivers the Throne Speech titled ‘Building Forward: Enhancing Resilience, Expanding Opportunity’ during the ceremonial opening of Parliament for the 2026/2027 Financial Year at Gordon House on Thursday (February 12).

4 months ago Finance & Public ServiceGovernor GeneralTourism

Government Targets Eight Million Visitors and Us$10 Billion in Earnings by 2030

The Government has unveiled a strategic roadmap for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, aimed at significantly diversifying its tourism source markets and positioning Jamaica to reach a historic milestone of eight million annual visitors and US$10 billion in earnings by 2030. Governor-General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, while delivering the Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament...