Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says tourism remains the most vital source of earnings and economic activity for the majority of Caribbean islands, with region-wide revenues estimated at more than US$27 billion. “Tourism is the single largest generator of foreign exchange in 16 of the 28 countries in the Caribbean, with the sector receiving the most by way of...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says that while tourism earnings continue to soar to record highs, it is equally important that a large amount of this money be retained for local circulation. It is against this background that the Minister wants to see the current retention of 30 per cent of every dollar improve to 40 per cent, bringing...

Governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), Brian Wynter, says the tourism sector is poised for increased earnings this year, coming off a successful 2016/17 winter season. He noted that the winter period, from December 15 to April 30, was the best ever for the sector, with earnings of more than US$1 billion. “In a context where tourism usually earns...

The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) will be sprucing up the community of Barrett Town in St. James for Labour Day 2017. The scope of work, which will be undertaken at the Barrett Town community and health centres, includes painting, planting of trees and general upgrade and beautification of the areas. “At the community centre, we will be planting some...

Tourism interests in western Jamaica are being urged to take advantage of events like the annual MoBay City Run, to tap into the lucrative global health and wellness market. General Manager of RIU Reggae and RIU Palace Hotels in Montego Bay, Frank Sondern, told JIS News that his hotel had more than 500 participants in this year’s run on May...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica’s presence at international trade shows is critical in promoting the destination, while simultaneously encouraging direct foreign investments. “We had a very successful winter tourist season where earnings exceeded $125 billion… a record by any calculation. This did not happen by mere coincidence. This came as a result of the work we have...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the establishment of operations in Jamaica by American Coffee Company, Starbucks, will serve to strengthen the country’s appeal to international visitors. Mr. Bartlett told JIS News that “alliances with international brands, such as this, do well to drive the marketing of Jamaica.” He indicated that Starbucks would be utilizing Jamaican Blue Mountain and High...

The Government will be spending just over $4 billion to construct new and renovate several existing facilities in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, beginning this year. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the undertaking forms part of measures to boost the resort town’s tourism product, consequent on discussions with industry stakeholders. Speaking at the inaugural ‘HOPE for Jamaica’ town...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, believes Jamaica’s cruise-shipping sector is poised for further growth. This, he says, is based on its significant contribution to earnings and visitor arrivals, particularly those generated over the 2016/17 winter tourist season, between January and April. Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) data show that cruise-ship visitors accounted for half of the 1,579,273 tourists who came to...