Negril on Track to Fully Reopen on December 15

Speaking in Negril on November 28, 2025, Minister Bartlett confirmed that the town’s December 15 reopening is secured, thanks to rapid community-driven cleanup efforts and unwavering investor confidence, positioning the destination for a strong winter season after the disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.

New $1 Billion Fund Established to Assist Tourism Workers Impacted by Melissa

During a recovery tour in Ocho Rios on November 24, 2025, Minister Bartlett outlined the creation of a $1 billion public-private fund designed to support tourism workers with housing and rehabilitation needs following Hurricane Melissa, accelerating the sector’s rebound ahead of the winter season.

Jamaica Becomes Caribbean’s Most Connected Destination

In Montego Bay on September 23, 2025, at JAPEX 2025 Minister Bartlett revealed that Jamaica has soared to the top of regional connectivity, achieving unmatched global links through expanded airlift, major infrastructure upgrades, and strategic workforce investments.

Bartlett Names Local First Task Force to Drive Inclusive Tourism Growth

Announced in Montego Bay on September 25, 2025, Minister Edmund Bartlett’s establishment of the Local First Task Force, chaired by Hon. Tova Hamilton, signals a decisive move to strengthen local capacity, reshape policy frameworks, and ensure that Jamaica retains more of the economic value generated as visitor numbers climb.

Global Tourism Resilience Conference 2025

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett called for global tourism stakeholders to embrace digital technologies to build industry resilience at the opening of the 3^rd Global Tourism Resilience Conference & Expo, held from February 17-19, 2025, at the Princess Grand Jamaica, Hanover.

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Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (1st L) shares a moment with (L-R) Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, Edna Ray, Senior Manger Regional Sales at Air Canada, Dr. Lois Stewart Archer, Hon Consul of Jamaica for Winnipeg and Donovan White, Director of Tourism following a successful Destination Update seminar with Travel Advisors on Wednesday October 28, 2026.

Jamaica Nears 3 Million Visitors One Year After Hurricane Melissa, Signalling Resilience of Tourism Sector

Bartlett – ‘Melissa tested our strength, but it has not reduced the world’s desire to experience Jamaica’ KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday November 2, 2026; One year after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, the island’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, with visitor arrivals approaching three million and international demand continuing to support the sector’s recovery. The projected milestone underscores the enduring strength of Brand Jamaica and the determination of tourism workers and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to restore the sector. Jamaica welcomed 2.34 million visitors between January and August 2026, generating US$2.5 billion in tourism earnings, according to figures released by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). The performance was achieved while the island continued to operate with reduced hotel room capacity as properties repaired, renovated and upgraded their facilities following the storm.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (3rd right) shares lens time with (from left) Joy Roberts, Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations; Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism; O’Brian Heron, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA); Pastor of Trumpet Call Ministries International, Rev. Mary Wildish and JHTA 1st Vice President, Kerry Ann Quallo Casserly following the Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 1, 2026, marking their 65th.

Tourism Recovery Gathers Momentum, 92% of Hotel Rooms Return to Operation

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Jamaica’s tourism industry is making significant strides in its recovery from Hurricane Melissa, with 92 per cent of the island’s hotel rooms now back in operation, signaling a promising outlook for the upcoming winter tourist season. President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), O’Brian Heron, disclosed that the recovery has been driven by the tremendous sacrifices and determination of hotel operators and their employees, many of whom worked under difficult circumstances to restore operations following the hurricane. Speaking at a brunch at the S Hotel Montego Bay following the JHTA’s 65th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday at Trumpet Call Ministries International, Mr. Heron paid special tribute to hotels that maintained operations throughout the crisis, as well as those that reopened within weeks or gradually restored their facilities over the ensuing months.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, (R) pauses for a moment with (L-R) Director of Tourism, Donovan White and Angella Bennett. Regional Director, Canada, following a successful Destination Update Seminar held in Toronto on Friday October 23, 2026.

Jamaica Is ‘Bouncing Forward’: Bartlett Assures 300 Toronto Travel Advisors of Stronger Tourism Future

TORONTO; Canada: Tuesday, October 27, 2026: Jamaica has turned the devastation of Hurricane Melissa into an opportunity to build a stronger, safer and more competitive tourism industry, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, told 300 travel advisors and tourism stakeholders in Toronto, as the island prepares to welcome Canadian visitors for the winter season with approximately 400,000 airline seats from Canada. The significant airlift capacity underscores the strength of the Canadian market and the critical role of travel advisors in sustaining visitor demand, restoring destination confidence and supporting the thousands of Jamaicans whose livelihoods depend on tourism. Thanking the Canadian travel trade for its continued partnership, Minister Bartlett emphasised that Jamaica’s recovery is being driven by the resilience of its people and the commitment of international partners and stakeholders. “Melissa was able to bend us, but it could not break us. We are not bouncing back; we are bouncing forward,” he declared.