Government of Jamaica

News Releases

News Releases

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.

Featured News Releases

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.

All News Releases

10,000 Persons Registered for Tourism Workers Pension Scheme Since January 1 Launch

KINGSTON, Jamaica; February 03, 2022: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that approximately 10,000 persons have already registered for the ground-breaking Tourism Workers Pension Scheme since its launch on January 1, 2022.

Bartlett Urges Diaspora to Invest in Local Tourism Capacity Building and Recovery Efforts

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 28, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is encouraging members of the Diaspora to invest in the local tourism sector, which continues to drive Jamaica's economic recovery.

Bartlett Mourns the Passing of Tourism Stalwart Dr. Jean Holder

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 27, 2022: Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has offered condolences to the family of Dr. Jean Holder, who was regarded by many in the Caribbean as the "father of regional tourism development."

Jamaica is Experiencing Biggest Hotel Development Boom in Any One Year

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 24, 2022: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that Jamaica is undergoing its biggest hotel and resort development boom in any one year, with 8,000 additional hotel rooms in various stages of development and planning, the majority being led by European investors.

Jamaica to Sign MOU on Tourism Development with Spain

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 21, 2022: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that Jamaica and Spain will craft a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on various aspects of tourism development and economic transformation.

Jamaica and the Dominican Republic to Strengthen Tourism Cooperation

KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 20, 2022: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett had brief discussions in Spain today with President of the Dominican Republic (DR), His Excellency Luis Abinader and other top DR officials to strengthen tourism relations. This will in part result in a new level of multi-destinational tourism aimed at redefining how tourism functions in the region.