Minister Bartlett Highlights Montego Bay’s Pivotal Role in Jamaica’s Post-Hurricane Tourism Recovery

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 Caribbean, Montego Bay” on Saturday (November 29) as an effort to reaffirm the city’s central place in Jamaica’s future and in the wider regional economy.

“Montego Bay is not just a city on the north coast, it is one of the great hubs of Caribbean tourism. From here, Jamaica connects to key cities across North America, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean,” he stated.

The Minister added that, “airlift, cruise, hotels, attractions, meetings and conventions, entertainment and small businesses all converge along this corridor to create one of the most powerful tourism ecosystems in our hemisphere.”

Mr. Bartlett noted that at the heart of the tourism ecosystem lies Sangster International Airport, Jamaica’s largest and busiest global gateway. He highlighted that the airport welcomes more than five million travellers annually, with a capacity of up to nine million.

“It processes well over 70 percent of the island’s stopover arrivals and has repeatedly been recognised as the Caribbean’s leading airport. Sangster’s performance serves as a direct barometer of Jamaica’s tourism health and momentum,” he pointed out.

The Minister emphasised that Montego Bay’s significance extends beyond tourism metrics, noting that the city’s performance is reflected in Jamaica’s macroeconomic indicators—including tourism earnings, foreign reserves, balance of payments, and currency stability.

He stated that when Montego Bay thrives, the Jamaican economy is strengthened, underscoring that the hotels, attractions, and services in the area are major employers and taxpayers “whose revenues support infrastructure development across roads, schools, hospitals, and community projects in every parish.”

“The impact of Montego Bay is not only measured in dollars and data, it is felt in the lives of our people. This city has long been a training ground for hospitality professionals who power Jamaica’s tourism engine both at home and abroad. Income earned here supports school fees in rural Jamaica, backs micro and small enterprises, funds home construction, and fuels social mobility,” Mr. Bartlett said.

He added that, culturally, Montego Bay stands as a premier stage for Brand Jamaica, where music, food, festivals, sports, and the distinctive Jamaican personality are showcased daily—offering visitors an experience that goes far beyond sun, sand and sea.

“The city’s creativity, resilience and warmth make Montego Bay a powerful magnet for repeat visitors and an enduring symbol of Jamaica’s tourism brand,” Mr. Bartlett further remarked.

He said Saturday’s visit “[went] beyond property inspections”, pointing out that “[it also focused] on strengthening destination assurance, building resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, and ensuring that rebuilding and expansion benefits are more broadly shared.”

“The objective [was] to listen, learn and collaborate with partners to ensure Montego Bay continues to lead the Caribbean in sustainable, inclusive tourism,” the Minister stated.

He extended gratitude to all stakeholders—including hotel owners and workers, attraction operators, transport providers, community leaders, and public sector teams—for their ongoing partnership.

“Together we will ensure that Montego Bay remains the undisputed tourism capital of the Caribbean… a city that powers Jamaica’s growth while uplifting the lives of its people,” Mr. Bartlett added.