Small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism and agriculture sectors are set to benefit from grants of up to US$500,000, through the second phase of the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI II). Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) is implementing the initiative under a US$40-million loan from the World Bank. Managing Director at JSIF, Omar Sweeney told JIS News that entities...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Government is working to build the capacity of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) to increase earnings from the sector. He noted that while 80 per cent of tourism worldwide is driven by SMTEs, “only 20 per cent of the returns from tourism go to this particular sector”. “We want to build...

British Airways’ announcement of new London Gatwick to Montego Bay flights, beginning October 13, is being hailed by local tourism stakeholders as a major step in Jamaica’s COVID-19 road to recovery. Highly regarded as one of the most popular European air carriers, the new flights will be operated by World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World, and will depart...

The ‘Rediscover Jamaica’ campaign, which encourages Jamaicans to taste, see, feel and enjoy the country’s tourism product, was officially launched on July 22. The domestic marketing campaign also encourages persons living on the island to feel good again, by going out and enjoying the sights, scenes and taste of the island. Speaking at the official launch at The Jamaica Pegasus,...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Government is working to establish Jamaica as a tourism supply hub that will serve the needs of the global industry, starting with human capital. He said that the idea is to “build the capacity of our people to provide stackable credentials to enable mobility and portability”, which will enable them to seek...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed deep regret at the passing of the prominent Austria-born hotelier, Heinz Simonitsch, who is credited for his development of Half Moon resort in Montego Bay, St James. “Heinz Simonitsch was a stalwart and one of the most outstanding tourism administrators, planners, and missionaries of the Caribbean. I offer my condolences to the Simonitsch...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says tourism entities, such as Mystic Mountain in St. Ann, should be lauded for their continued support of the sector, despite the fallout from the coronavirus (COVID-19). In an interview with JIS News, Mr. Bartlett said it is pleasing to learn that despite having closed since March, Mystic Mountain still managed to pump US$6...