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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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Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (centre) leads in the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, August 11, 2025. He is joined by (from left), Custos of St. James, Bishop Conrad Pitkin; Vice President, Moon Palace Resorts, Jamaica and Turks and Caicos Islands, Clifton Reader; Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Palace Resorts, Gibran Chapur; Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams.

Moon Palace The Grand Is “A Partnership Made in Heaven” - Bartlett

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Tuesday, August 12, 2025: With construction of Jamaica’s most elaborate resort development about to take off, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has hailed plans for the US$700 million, 1,200-room Moon Palace The Grand as “a partnership made in heaven.” Features of the development were given at yesterday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the 33-storey ultra-modern hotel by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Palace Resorts, Gibran Chapur. Upon completion, The Grand resort will employ 3,000 people to take care of 1,200 luxurious suites, including overwater bungalows, with more than 13 speciality restaurants, a unique waterpark and the largest spa in the country. According to Mr. Chapur, “It will set a new benchmark for hospitality in the Caribbean, while honouring the culture and spirit of Jamaica.”

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right) participates in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the long-awaited US$1-billion Harmony Cove Development in Trelawny. Minister Bartlett shares a light moment with (from left) Minister of State, Ministry of Tourism, Senator the Hon. Delano Seiveright; Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill; Trelawny Northern MP, Tova Hamilton and Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang.

Harmony Cove Development Strong Vote of Confidence in Tourism Sector - Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, July 24, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has hailed the move by investors to forge ahead with the long-awaited Harmony Cove Development in Trelawny, as a strong vote of confidence in Jamaica’s booming tourism sector. The US$1-billion project will provide world-class luxury accommodation with 1,000 rooms and a full-service casino, as well as a host of amenities, including a championship Tiger Woods-designed golf course, a Justin Timberlake-developed entertainment venue, and a wide array of beach and marine activities.

(HM Digicel) Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right) gets a warm greeting from Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Jamaica, Stephen Murad on his arrival at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on Friday, July 18, 2025 to address the Digicel Business Hospitality Event. At centre is Digicel’s Director of Government and Corporate Relations, and Chairman of the Digicel Foundation, Joy Clarke.

Technology a Crucial Tool in Transforming Tourism Sector - Bartlett

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Monday, July 21, 2025: As Jamaica braces for a significant increase in visitor arrivals over the next five years, Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett has given notice that embracing technology will be a key factor to the industry’s development. With global travel on target to double over the next five years, Minister Bartlett has pointed to the pivotal role of technology in the developmental process. “The new technology in aviation is creating a whole new opportunity for larger and more significantly competent and efficient equipment: bigger planes, flying higher, carrying more passengers, moving beyond the speed of sound, crossing waters zillions of miles within hours,” he advanced.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (at podium), addresses a captive audience of executive members, hoteliers and allied members of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), at the organization’s 64th annual general meeting, at Dreams Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Minister Bartlett was the guest speaker at the opening ceremony.

Legislation to be Introduced to Fuel Greater Use of Local Supplies in Tourism

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Tuesday, July 1, 2025: The Ministry of Tourism’s drive to increase the use of local products and services in the hospitality sector, is to receive a major legislative boost. While addressing the 64th annual general meeting of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) at Dreams Rose Hall Resort over the weekend, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett told hoteliers and their allied members to expect legislation that will boost the use of local supplies across the industry.

Bartlett Eyes Bold Path Towards Affordable Housing & Economic Inclusion

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, June 30, 2025: The Ministry of Tourism has taken another bold step toward securing the future of Jamaica’s tourism workers with the official onboarding of NCB Insurance Agency and Fund Managers Limited (NCBIA) as one of the investment managers of the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS). The move, announced during a contract signing ceremony held earlier today (June 30), signals a stronger push by the government to align economic security with broader social development goals, including affordable housing for tourism workers.

Thousands Benefit from Tourism Innovation & Human Capital Development Initiatives

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, June 26, 2025: The Ministry of Tourism is recording unprecedented success in youth engagement, innovation, and skills training as it accelerates efforts to make tourism a dynamic engine of opportunity for all Jamaicans. This was underscored by Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett during his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in Parliament recently. Minister Bartlett, outlined a series of groundbreaking accomplishments under the theme “Thrive in 2025: Linking Tourism to Every Jamaican’s Success.”

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