News Releases

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Wednesday, September 24, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced plans to fuel major expansion in the island’s vibrant tourism sector as the Ministry of Tourism seeks to boost Jamaica’s share of the lucrative global tourism market. In a wide-ranging address to local and foreign media during a special Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) 2025 media breakfast, at Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa yesterday (September 23), Minister Bartlett articulated the overall strategy to build on the successes of the industry to date, and plans now in train to achieve robust growth. Focus was placed on the critical areas of human capital development, boosting safety through destination assurance, expansion of the villa sector and enhancing the tourism product.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, September 23, 2025: Jamaica has secured its position as the Caribbean’s most connected destination, achieving record-breaking global linkages while advancing an ambitious agenda for inclusive and sustainable tourism growth. With year-end arrivals projected at 4.5 million — comprising 3.1 million stopover visitors and 1.4 million cruise passengers — Jamaica now boasts direct connections to over 55 international gateways, strengthening its global reach and setting a new regional benchmark. This unprecedented connectivity is fuelling both visitor growth and broader economic development. “Jamaica’s rapid expansion in airlift is more than just a milestone for tourism; it’s a catalyst for national transformation,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “Our vision is clear — tourism must work for all Jamaicans. These investments are creating opportunities for small businesses, communities, and workers, ensuring the benefits of growth are shared equitably across the island,” he added.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, September 22, 2025: Jamaica’s tourism industry is entering a bold new era of record growth, global influence, and innovation as Hon. Edmund Bartlett begins his fourth term as Minister of Tourism. Joining him is Hon. Tova Hamilton, who steps into the role of State Minister, bringing new perspectives and energy to one of Jamaica’s most vital sectors. Minister Bartlett, Jamaica’s longest-serving tourism minister, having previously served from 2007–2012, 2016–2020, and 2020–2025, has overseen a period of unprecedented expansion. Since 2016, visitor arrivals have soared to historic highs, as in 2024 Jamaica welcomed some 2.9 million stopover visitors and 1.25 million cruise passengers, generating US$4.3 billion in earnings. These milestones have cemented tourism’s role as a cornerstone of the economy, directly benefiting local businesses and communities islandwide.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Monday, September 22, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that the island’s tourism sector is to be repositioned to ensure Jamaicans benefit from a greater share of the lucrative industry, while contributing to its growth over the next five years. Envisioning a renaissance of the sector, Minister Bartlett said the year ahead “is going to be a seminal year in which we are going to be seeing new approaches to tourism.” This revelation was made as he addressed the opening event for the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) 2025 trade show at Harmony Beach Park Sunday night (September 21). The three-day event officially begins today at the Montego Bay Convention Centre with 160 buyers from across the major global tourism markets interfacing with Jamaican sellers of hotel rooms and attractions.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Monday, August 25, 2025: With the Caribbean being the most tourism-reliant region worldwide, where the industry contributes some 22% of gross domestic product (GDP), and supports 2.75 million jobs, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett says factors that threaten the sustainability of the industry must be tackled urgently. At the same time, he is delighted that the region has been recovering from the disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather conditions. He told hundreds of travel advisors yesterday (August 24) that: “In 2024, the region saw a strong tourism rebound, with a 6.1% increase in international tourist arrivals compared to 2023, reaching 34.2 million. This also represented a 6.9% increase over pre-pandemic levels in 2019.” To underscore the impact, he pointed out that the region suffered a 65% decline in visitor arrivals in 2020.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Thursday, August 14, 2025: As Jamaica’s pivot toward the luxury tourism market gains momentum, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is reinforcing his strong commitment to a policy that ensures local communities directly benefit from these new developments. He expressed delight that the government has been attracting premium investments, with groundbreaking ceremonies for over US$3.5 billion in tourism developments in the last three months alone. While not disclosing specifics, he mentioned he had just finalized discussions on two more "mega billion-dollar investments."