News Releases

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.

Featured News Releases

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.

All News Releases

Jamaica Welcomes 105,000 Stopover Visitors Since Beryl

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, July 17, 2024: Despite the recent challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl, Jamaica’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, welcoming over 105,000 stopover visitors since reopening its ports. This impressive statistic, announced by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, during his closing presentation of the 2024/2025 Sectoral Debate in Parliament, underscores the industry’s strength and its significant contribution to the Jamaican economy.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (centre front), is joined by Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith (left of him) as he receives a progress update on the construction of Princess Jamaica Grand from owner Robert Cabrera Plana (right front) during a site tour on Friday, July 12, 2024. Other members of the touring party are visible in the background.

Bartlett Looks Forward To Princess Resorts’ September Opening

GREEN ISLAND, Hanover, Jamaica – Monday, July 15, 2024 – Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett eagerly anticipates the September opening of the Princess Grand and Princess Senses The Mangrove, the first phase of a planned 2,036-room hotel development in Green Island, Hanover. Upon completion of the second phase, this project will become one of Jamaica’s largest resorts, significantly boosting the island's tourism offerings.

First Gastronomy Academy Will be Ready for Winter Tourist Season

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Monday, July 8, 2024: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has revealed that Jamaica’s first Gastronomy Academy will be in operation at the Montego Bay Convention Centre by the end of 2024. In making the announcement yesterday (July 7), Minister Bartlett said the academy will be opened “for the winter tourist season this year.”

JAMAICA REOPENS FOR BUSINESS AFTER HURRICANE BERYL

KINGSTON, July 4, 2024 – Jamaica’s reputation for resilience continues as Hurricane Beryl moved past on July 3. Jamaica‘s hotels and resorts were well-prepared as staff and guests remained safe during the storm.

No Major Tourism Fallout from Beryl – Bartlett

Kingston, Jamaica; Thursday, July 4, 2024: Following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has indicated that based on information collected by the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC), Jamaica’s tourism sector has not experienced any major fallout from the weather system.

Minister Bartlett Convenes Urgent Meetings to Prepare for Hurricane Beryl

Kingston, Jamaica; Tuesday, July 2, 2024: As Jamaica braces for the potential impact of Hurricane Beryl, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has convened several urgent strategy meetings since Sunday, June 30, 2024, with the Policy and Planning Group and other key members of the Ministry’s Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC). The meetings, which included Ministry of Tourism officials, Chairmen and Executive Directors of public bodies of the Ministry, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and other leading private sector tourism stakeholders, were aimed at ensuring the tourism sector is fully prepared to face the possible challenges posed by the hurricane.

Contact Information

64 Knutsford Boulevard,
Kingston 5, Jamaica

(876) 920-4926-30

info@mot.gov.jm