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CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, Shane Munroe (2nd left) confidently reassured Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (3rd right) that the Sangster International Airport (SIA) is in full operation and ready for an anticipated busy winter tourist season when it opens on December 15, 2025. Sharing in the moment are (from left) Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Tourism, David Dobson; Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Christopher Jarrett, JHTA President.

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Montego Bay on Target for Official December 15 Reopening - Bartlett

Tourism Sector Records Earnings of US$2.9 Billion Since January MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett wrapped up a recent Tourism Recovery Tour of Montego Bay with news that despite the impact of Hurricane Melissa last month, the destination area is on target to officially reopen for business on December 15, 2025. The announcement comes as Minister Bartlett also revealed that since the start of 2025 the sector has recorded tourism earnings of US$2.9 billion. With the official reopening deadline fast approaching, Minister Bartlett said he expects that the year's total earnings should reach approximately US$3.5 billion. This outlook is strengthened by a recent UN Tourism report which indicates that global tourism arrivals had surpassed 1.1 billion at the end of September, 2025. The UN Tourism Barometer projects increased growth continuing at a rate of 3 to 5 percent.

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Co-founders of TechBeach, Jamaican Kirk Hamilton (centre) and Trinidadian Kyle Maloney (right), greet Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett on his arrival for the official opening of the 7th TechBeach Retreat, at Secret Resorts on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

Bartlett Urges Innovators to Use Technology to Transform Tourism

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Monday, December 9, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has reinforced his advocacy for the transformation of the tourism sector through technology while observing that: “We are on the cusp of a new era – one where technology and tourism intertwine to create experiences that are more enriching, accessible, and sustainable than ever before.”

2024/25 Cruise Tourism Season Starts with a Bang

FALMOUTH, Jamaica; Friday, December 6, 2024: With Jamaica having welcomed 1.1 million cruise passengers since the start of the year, the 2024/2025 cruise tourism season got off to a strong start with ten vessels calling on the three main resort ports, with some 34,519 passengers and a combined crew of 13,137 between December 2 and 5, 2024.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left) responds to questions following his keynote address at the ground-breaking Pinnacle conference on branded real estate development, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. Beside him is Yangsen Li, Chief Executive Officer of LCH Developments, developers of the US$450 million Pinnacle luxury lifestyle property.

Jamaica Pivots to Expand Luxury Tourism Offering

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Thursday, December 5, 2024: The Ministry of Tourism is moving to position the hospitality sector to attract more luxurious developments similar to the US$450-million Montego Bay Pinnacle luxury lifestyle development currently under construction on the city’s western coastline.

Hon. Edmund Bartlett (centre), Minister of Tourism, and Donovan White (right) Director of Tourism paused for a photo-op with Gonzalo Ramirez (left), Airport Director for North America and Caribbean at LATAM Airlines, and the LATAM Airlines crew during Sunday’s ceremony at Sangster International Airport.

LATAM Airlines Resumes Direct Service Between Peru and Jamaica

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – December 04, 2024 – LATAM Airlines has successfully resumed flights between Lima, Peru and Montego Bay, Jamaica, marking a significant milestone in Caribbean-Latin American air connectivity. The first flight, which arrived at full capacity at Sangster International Airport on Sunday, December 01, 2024, represents a major step in Jamaica's strategic expansion into the Latin American market.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left) and the Secretary of Tourism for the Philippines, Hon. Christina Garcia-Frasco, share lens time after he received his global Gusi Peace Prize on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Manila Metropolitan Theatre.

Minister Bartlett Wins Global Gusi Peace Prize

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, November 28, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, was awarded the prestigious Gusi Peace Prize in Manila on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the global tourism industry. This distinguished accolade, often referred to as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize, celebrates excellence in various fields, including peace, human rights, politics, science, and the arts. Minister Bartlett’s award highlights his leadership in championing tourism resilience and sustainability, particularly in small island developing states, and underscores his commitment to advancing global cooperation in the tourism sector.

Minister Bartlett Travels to Manila to Receive 2024 Gusi Peace Prize

Kingston, Jamaica; Monday, November 25, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, yesterday (November 24) departed the island for Manila, the Philippines, to attend the 2024 Gusi Peace Prize International Awards. This prestigious global event honours individuals and organizations for significant contributions to peace, human rights, and global progress.

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