Government of Jamaica

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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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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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Tourism Recovery Efforts Get Major Boost from Return of Cruise to Island’s Ports

KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 29, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says the scheduled return of cruise ships across the island’s ports, beginning in mid-November, is a strong vote of confidence by major international stakeholders in the safety of and demand for brand Jamaica. It also signals the nearly full reopening of an industry that is crucial to Jamaica’s tourism recovery efforts and will aid greatly in bringing back much-needed jobs.

Bartlett in talks with Emirates Airlines to Introduce Special Flight to Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 25, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that he has initiated discussions with top representatives of Emirates Airlines, with the aim of introducing a unique flight between Dubai and Jamaica early next year. The announcement comes as the Minister concluded marketing activities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday, with a crucial meeting with senior executives of Emirates Airlines at their Dubai Headquarters.

TUI Adds Port Royal to January 2022 Schedule

KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 22, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that TUI, the world’s largest tourism company, has added Port Royal to their January 2022 schedule. He indicated that the company has confirmed the resumption of their flights and cruises to Jamaica, with cruise activities scheduled to begin in January. The company specifically outlined plans for homeporting in Montego Bay, and the inclusion of calls to Port Royal on their cruise schedule.

Bartlett Holds Cruise Investment Talks with DP World

KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 22, 2021: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, recently concluded a series of important cruise investment meetings with DP World, a major multinational logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Jamaica Wins Big At 2021 World Travel Awards

KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 19, 2021: Jamaica and several players in the local tourism industry have emerged big winners at this year’s prestigious World Travel Awards. The island was named the “Caribbean’s Leading Destination’ and ‘Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination,’ while the Jamaica Tourist Board was named the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board.’

Bartlett Takes Tourism Markets Thrust To UK, Middle East

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Sunday, October 17, 2021: Following his highly successful markets blitz in North America, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett left the island yesterday, accompanied by a high-level team to explore investment opportunities and trump up tourism travel to Jamaica from the United Kingdom (UK) and the Middle East.