Over US$3.5 Billion In Premium Tourism Developments In Last Three Months

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."

One of these new projects will be in Paradise, Westmoreland. According to Minister Bartlett, it will likely be Jamaica's most luxurious resort, featuring brand names that will be revealed at a later date. "We've finished talking, with just one little matter to close, and by next week, we'll be able to announce it," he stated.

Minister Bartlett declared, “This is the new Jamaica; this is the new tourism that is going to drive another element of value added to enable jobs at another level, with remunerations at another level. But the more important aspect of it is that it is going to create demand at another level for goods and services to be provided by our Jamaicans.”

It is within that context that Minister Bartlett informed that “a policy determination labelled ‘Local First’ will characterize our new arrangement with all our potential visitors that come to Jamaica but more so our investors. We are going to require of them to partner with communities.”

This disclosure was made at a ceremony celebrating the completion of phase one of the Vista Montego Bay Resort and the groundbreaking for phase two. Situated on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, the US$100 million investment will include a 468-room complex across three towers and additional buildings with commercial amenities, including restaurants and retail shops.

The Vista Montego Bay Resort is being built on the former Miranda Hill hotel site, which was later renamed Vista Ambassador by its owner, the late Constantine Hines. The current development is a partnership between Hines's company, C&H Property Ltd., and Money Masters Real Estate Investment Fund (MM REIF).

Chairman of Vista Montego Bay Resort Development, Dean Burrowes, pointed out that it was a Jamaican company, owned and operated by Jamaican professionals and managers. “This makes us proud as we showcase our abilities, which are comparable to any other development anywhere in the world.” He expressed that on completion, it will be a landmark. “It will be one of the most impressive and prestigious resort properties in the Montego Bay municipality.”

Montego Bay's Mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, also spoke at the ceremony, acknowledging the local attendees and their contributions. He praised the development as a sign that the city is “moving in the right direction to ensure that we invest in our own country.”

He said the development “embodies the spirit of progress, elegance and sustainability that defines our vision for the future,” noting that it encompasses five thoughtfully designed buildings, eco-smart architecture and lifestyle amenities that rival global standards.” Mayor Vernon also expressed that “this development dovetails seamlessly with other urban renewal strategies to build a Montego Bay that is resilient, inclusive and globally admired.”

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.”

Mr. Chapur said the approximately J$112 billion “is not just an investment in hotels, it is an investment in the future of Jamaica, its people and its tourism industry.

The Mexican family investment will also provide 500 staff apartments on 28 acres of land opposite the resort, development of the Success public beach for the community and support for Minister Bartlett’s legacy project of a new innovative town in Barrett Town.

Elaborating on plans for the new town, Minister Bartlett said the overall development of The Grand was in keeping with Government’s outlook “that tourism must not just be an economic activity that becomes extractive, but that tourism must become inclusive and must be embracing of the communities that are around.”

He said the tourism innovation township would be “a truly integrated development arrangement which allows for the circular economy to be realized in the space where the community around feeds into tourism and tourism feeds back into the community.” 

The John Rollins Success Primary School will be expanded to include Jamaica’s first tourism early childhood incubator, the Barrett Town Clinic replaced by a Comprehensive Health Centre, the police station relocated to a much larger facility in the new town and the current site converted into a maintenance academy training workers to maintain the tourism plant.

The proposed new town will feature a commercial centre, fire-fighting services, and a modernized community park with upgraded sports facilities. Additionally, to build human capital, the Moon Palace Foundation is offering four scholarships for students pursuing a medical degree at the University of the West Indies.

Taking into account former cane lands stretching from Barrett Town to Cinnamon Hill, Minister Bartlett envisages an expansion of the tourism supply chain to impact the community “so that we can have backyard gardens that are producing fresh fruits and vegetables to be sold across the sector.”

Terming the plan, “An exciting piece of transformation that is changing the way tourism is going to be practiced in Jamaica,” Minister Bartlett said cottage industries would be established with the people of Lilliput, Barrett Town, Grange Pen, Rhyne Park and Spot Valley making sheets, pillowcases, blankets and towels, candles and sundry other items to meet the needs of the industry.

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.

While addressing the ribbon-cutting ceremony in Trelawny earlier this week, Minister Bartlett expressed that: “This Harmony Cove Development stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering confidence that investors have in Jamaica’s tourism industry and the overall economic climate. In a global marketplace where investment capital can flow anywhere, the decision of the Tavistock Group to commit substantial resources to this project speaks volumes about Jamaica’s reputation as a premier investment destination.” 

He explained that the strong investor confidence being witnessed is the fruit of painstaking effort to create a favourable environment. “This vote of confidence is not by accident. It is the result of the Government's steadfast commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, maintaining economic stability and fostering public-private partnerships that benefit all stakeholders,” Minister Bartlett emphasised.

“This ceremonial event marks the culmination of years of meticulous planning. It represents the planting of seeds that will grow into a transformative addition to our tourism landscape, creating ripples throughout our economy,” he underscored.

Minister Bartlett highlighted that the mega integrated resort project is set to transform 2,300 acres of Trelawny's stunning coastline into a world-class destination. 

He believes the project will be a game-changer within the tourism sector and will benefit numerous local suppliers, while driving employment. “The economic impact of Harmony Cove will extend far beyond these grounds. While this project will employ thousands of Jamaicans, the true multiplier effect lies in the linkages this development will create throughout our economy,” Mr. Bartlett asserted. 

“From construction materials to furnishings, from food supplies to transportation services, Harmony Cove opens doors for local manufacturers, farmers, artisans, and service providers to participate in and benefit from tourism growth. These linkages represent the real economic power of tourism development, creating sustainable livelihoods across multiple sectors and strengthening our economic resilience,” Minister Bartlett added. 

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.

His remarks were made at a Digicel Business Hospitality forum attended by senior executives in the hotel sector at the Montego Bay Convention Centre recently, where he contended that “over the last decade, two powerful forces have converged, the timeless human desire to explore our world and the unprecedented technological revolution reshaping how we fulfil that desire.”

As he shared insights into how digital transformation is changing the tourism industry and reimagining it entirely, Minister Bartlett highlighted four critical dimensions in which he said, the travel landscape has been upended: How destinations connect with potential visitors; how traveller expectations and behaviours are evolving; how vacation experiences are delivered; and, how technology enables more sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

“The significance of the tourism industry to Jamaica’s economy cannot be overstated. Much like the Caribbean, tourism is both our economic engine and a vibrant expression of our culture,” he stated, and as Minister of Tourism, “I firmly believe that embracing digital transformation is essential to keeping Jamaica a leading and competitive destination.” 

He underlined that government’s commitment to empowering the hospitality sector with the tools to thrive was unwavering. Commending Digicel Business “for the significant investment, and collaboration in shaping a truly digitally innovative future for Jamaica,” Minister Bartlett said the Business Hospitality Event “exemplifies the critical partnerships needed to achieve this vision, showcasing how advanced connectivity, robust infrastructure, and dedicated support can profoundly enhance our guests’ experience and drive the operational efficiencies that are vital for our hotels, resorts, attractions and restaurants.”

“Tourism in Jamaica understands this, and we understand that we have to reimagine our human capital development programme. We recognize that we have to embrace the knowledge age as the driver for the experiences that will evolve in time to what may very well become the age of wisdom,” Minister Bartlett added.

He expounded that: “Digital technology is not just a boost for our tourism product; it is absolutely essential for the growth and sustainability of our largest industry.” He further stated: “Technology profoundly shapes everything in tourism – from creating new products and developing business strategies to creating truly unforgettable visitor experiences. For Jamaica, integrating technology into our tourism ecosystem is a strategic must-do. It is how we reinvent our offerings and solidify our competitive edge in the global marketplace.”

Jamaica’s destination marketing efforts are now being data driven as technology has provided the opportunity for the examination and understanding of travellers profiles, to investigate their cultures and to gain a greater insight into what value is being obtained for money spent.

“It is reshaping how experiences are developed, and secondly, it is redefining the psychographic profile of the market,” he said. Recognizing that people travel to fulfil their passions, Mr. Bartlett said being able to create products around these passion points to satisfy those desires is what attracts visitors, and Jamaica was succeeding “because we understand the consumption patterns of the tourists.”

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.

Having long championed Jamaica owning the supply side of its tourism industry, Minister Bartlett said “we are now actively working to make it happen” with the supply capacity level being studied, especially bearing in mind that the hotel sector is now pivoting to boost luxury accommodation.

 “This will be achieved through the ministry’s ‘Local First Initiative’ which will pass legislation and implement incentives to ensure greater participation of Jamaican manufacturers, farmers, creatives, and professionals in the tourism supply chain,” Minister Bartlett later explained.

“It’s a new requirement and following that study, the ministry will move to have consultation with entrepreneurial partners in the various areas, and also to look for foreign investments in these areas because we do recognize that the demand is going to be so strong that Jamaica’s capacity alone to supply is not going to be sufficient,” said Minister Bartlett. He is satisfied that: “This approach ensures more local money stays in local hands and circulates through our communities.” 

The initiative builds directly on the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) online platform’s success and Jamaica’s achievement of 40.8% tourism dollar retention. 

The ALEX platform connects local farmers directly with hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-linked buyers, helping reduce spoilage, cut imports as well as boost rural incomes, and has been a major win for local farmers, especially those supplying the tourism sector. In the first four months of this year, farmers earned over J$100 million through ALEX and in 2024, farmers supplied 4.3 million kilograms of produce valued at $452.8 million to the tourism industry through the digital platform. 

On the matter of the tourism industry pivoting more towards luxury accommodation, Minister Bartlett said the time had come for this new thrust. He said Unico is expected to welcome its first guests in January 2026 and ground is to be broken shortly for the Hard Rock hotel next door. 

Meanwhile, the Minister underscored that with over US$4 billion in investments, over the next five years the sector will also see the construction of the mega luxurious 33-storey Moon Palace hotel in the Rose Hall area with Harmony Cove coming on stream in Trelawny. This is in addition to Viva Wyndham in Negril, the Bahia Principe multi-use expansion and two new Sandals properties in Montego Bay and Runaway Bay, as well as a number of existing properties expanding their room count.

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.

While applauding the continued growth of the scheme, now valued at nearly J$4 billion, with around 10,000 registered members, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, revealed a groundbreaking policy direction for the future of TWPS.

“When we get to J$10 billion in savings, we will seek to develop a framework to support tourism worker housing,” declared Minister Bartlett. “Our intention is to facilitate a strategic partnership between the National Housing Trust (NHT) and local commercial banks and mortgage entities, to offer the lowest mortgage rates in Jamaica for our tourism workers. That’s the kind of social mobility that structured savings can unlock,” he added. 

Minister Bartlett emphasized that the TWPS is not just a social protection mechanism, but a strategic economic tool to fuel domestic investment, reduce capital leakage, and improve quality of life. He shared that this idea was inspired by an encounter with a 78-year-old tourism worker who, despite serving the industry for decades, had no retirement security.

“That was the moment that drove us to act. We’re not just investing in pensions; we’re investing in people, in dignity, and in the promise of a better tomorrow for the men and women who have made Jamaica a tourism powerhouse,” Bartlett noted.

NCBIA, appointed under a three-year contract, joins the fund’s investment management structure to help maximize returns for scheme members and secure the fund’s long-term growth. 

Ryan Parkes, Chairman of the TWPS Board of Trustees, underscored the importance of diversified fund management. He said: “This partnership with NCBIA helps ensure optimal fund performance while upholding our promise to Jamaica’s tourism workers—some of whom have served the industry for 40 or 50 years. They deserve a dignified retirement, and this scheme is making that possible.”

Antonio Spence, Head of NCBIA, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible stewardship, saying: “This is more than fund management, it’s a mission.” Spence noted that: “At NCBIA, we want every tourism worker to retire with the peace of mind that their future is secure. We are honoured to be part of this transformative national project.”

The groundbreaking scheme, which became effective on January 31, 2020, is designed to cover all workers ages 18-59 years in the tourism sector, whether permanent, contract or self-employed. Seeded with J$1 billion from the Government of Jamaica, the scheme is administered by Guardian Life Limited.

The tourism minister further noted that with the TWPS now growing at a rate of approximately J$100 million per month, its future looks promising, not only as a pension fund but also as a nation-building engine. “We are not just welcoming visitors to Jamaica. We are building a society that values and empowers its workers through pensions, through housing, and through hope,” Minister Bartlett stressed.

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.”

One of the clearest signs of this inclusive vision is the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s (TEF) Tourism Innovation Incubator, which Minister Bartlett described as a “remarkable success.” The 2024 cohort received 222 applications between April 12 and May 6, representing a 553% increase compared to 2022. From those, nineteen outstanding teams advanced, developing cutting-edge business ideas spanning virtual reality experiences, underwater tourism, transportation innovations, sustainability solutions, and AI-powered visitor personalization tools.

“These entrepreneurs have participated in an intensive boot camp in partnership with TechBeach Retreat. They focused on digital prototyping, business development, and market research to prepare for the successful commercialization of their innovations,” Minister Bartlett noted. He highlighted that the programme culminated in a pitch event where entrepreneurs engaged potential investors and partners to turn their ideas into reality.

Among the standout success stories is Dr. Duane Chambers, winner of TEF’s 2023 Tourism Innovation Incubator, who used his healthcare background to launch Caribbean Front Desk, a platform that unites cultural and medical wellness. “Caribbean Front Desk revitalizes Jamaica’s wellness identity by driving measurable economic benefit through wellness tourist spending and business opportunities for local providers. In essence, the Incubator has facilitated the transition from concept to execution, positioning Caribbean Front Desk as a flagship innovation in Jamaica’s tourism transformation,” said Minister Bartlett. 

Equally significant are the Ministry’s achievements in human capital development, led by the Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation (JCTI), a division of TEF. Minister Bartlett noted that since its inception in 2017, “the JCTI has certified over 20,000 workers through internationally benchmarked certification in partnership with Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA), HEART NSTA Trust, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), and American Culinary Federation (ACF).”

Between April 2024 and March 2025, the JCTI registered 3,100 candidates, of which 2,746 earned certification, reflecting an outstanding 89% pass rate. “No destination can succeed without skilled, professional, and passionate people delivering exceptional experiences to visitors,” the tourism minister affirmed.

Bartlett further noted that various forms of certification were earned across multiple institutions: 1,995 through the AHLEI and the National Restaurant Association; 686 through HEART NSTA Trust, and 65 through the ACF. “Our Guest Service Gold programme produced 1,289 Certified Guest Service Professionals. This shows our commitment to elevating the visitor experience through service excellence,” Minister Bartlett reported.

The tourism minister also revealed that TEF’s Summer Internship Programme continues to play a key role in bridging the gap between education and employment. “In 2024, we received over 16,000 applications and successfully placed over 1,120 interns with 167 employers. These young people gained valuable industry experience and professional certifications that prepare them for leadership roles in Jamaica’s tourism future,” Minister Bartlett disclosed.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, June 23, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and proudly Jamaican tourism industry—one that links every citizen to national prosperity. In his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation delivered in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 17, Minister Bartlett highlighted the remarkable strides made by the Tourism Linkages Network (TLN), a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), especially in driving agricultural growth through the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) platform.

“We are not engaging in political rhetoric or making empty promises,” Minister Bartlett declared. “We are referring to concrete actions, measurable results, and transformational initiatives that connect our primary industry to the broader economy,” he added. 

Among the most tangible results is the resounding success of ALEX, an innovative digital platform that connects local farmers directly with hotels and other tourism entities, eliminating the middleman and streamlining the farm-to-table supply chain. As of April 2025, the platform has already generated J$100 million for farmers this year alone, after facilitating over J$450 million worth of produce sales, amounting to approximately 3 million kilograms, in 2024.

“These figures represent more than statistics. They represent economic empowerment for our farmers who now have guaranteed markets, a reduction in foreign exchange leakage, enhanced food security, and sustainable agricultural practices aligned with tourism demand,” the Minister noted. Currently, approximately 2,000 farmers are registered on ALEX. However, the impact of tourism on agriculture extends far beyond the platform. “Many more billions are made via other arrangements involving small, medium, and large farmers and entities,” Minister Bartlett emphasized.

In addition to the success of ALEX, the Ministry, through TEF, is advancing strategic agricultural partnerships through initiatives like the Community Farming Project, which supports the cultivation of lime and lemon trees in seven parishes. The project targets direct demand from the tourism sector, where citrus is essential in cuisine, beverages, and aromatherapy experiences for visitors.

Minister Bartlett also highlighted the Ministry’s swift response to recent climate challenges. Following the impact of Hurricane Beryl and prolonged rainfall on key farming operations, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) provided support to farmers participating in their Strawberry Project. This included providing protective greenhouses, replacement infrastructure, and planting materials, reinforcing resilience in the face of extreme weather and supply chain shocks.

“The work of the Tourism Linkages Network stands as a cornerstone of our strategy. Tourism is deeply interconnected with nearly every sector of the economy. The multiplier effect is real and powerful,” Bartlett said. He explained that tourism currently contributes to 15 per cent of construction, 10 per cent of banking and finance, 20 per cent of manufacturing, and 21 per cent of utilities, agriculture, and fisheries. This interconnectedness, the tourism minister argued, underscores why the government remains “laser focused on deepening tourism linkages” and “owning the supply side of the industry.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Friday, June 20, 2025: Despite global headwinds in 2024, Jamaica’s tourism industry remained stable and registered continued success in penetrating emerging markets, according to Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who delivered his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in Parliament on Tuesday, June 17. The address, themed “Thrive in 2025: Linking Tourism to Every Jamaican’s Success,” emphasized an expansion in focus from visitor numbers and hotel developments to a broader vision of tourism as a driver of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable national economic growth.

Minister Bartlett declared that the Government’s goal is to construct a tourism sector that touches the lives of every Jamaican, from farmers and artisans to tech innovators and young entrepreneurs. “Tourism is not a privilege for a few; it is a national asset that belongs to all of us,” he said. “We are creating shared opportunities across the value chain, from Negril’s white sand beaches to Morant Point’s rugged coastline,” Bartlett added. 

Reflecting on the sector’s performance in 2024, the tourism minister noted that Jamaica welcomed 4.15 million visitors, generating earnings of US$4.3 billion. Minister Bartlett provided important context for this performance, citing global challenges that included economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflict, high interest rates, inflation, travel advisories, and extreme weather events such as Hurricane Beryl. He cited other factors, such as the Boeing aircraft delivery crisis, cyber disruptions, and the impact of an election year in the United States, that also contributed to the volatility in international travel.

Notwithstanding these challenges, Jamaica’s market diversification strategy yielded encouraging results. Minister Bartlett said while the United States, Jamaica’s primary source market, saw a 4.1% decline in arrivals—attributed largely to domestic uncertainties—this was offset by robust growth from other regions. Notably, Europe, including the United Kingdom, recorded a 9.1% increase, and Canada posted a 6.2% rise in visitor numbers compared to 2023. 

Even more significant, the emerging markets of Latin America and the Caribbean experienced sharp increases of 13.2% and 25.1%, respectively. “These gains validate our investments in airlift development and targeted marketing in non-traditional markets,” Minister Bartlett noted. He continued, “we are seeing the tangible benefits of promoting Brand Jamaica across diverse regions.”

To support these efforts, the Government is investing heavily in air connectivity. Major upgrades are underway at both Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) and Sangster International Airport (MBJ), while increased flight activity at Ian Fleming International Airport and plans for a fourth international airport in Negril will expand Jamaica’s reach even further. These enhancements are designed to, among other things, accommodate modern wide-body aircraft and position Jamaica as one of the most connected destinations in the Caribbean.

The tourism minister also welcomed the recent decision by the U.S. government to adjust its travel advisory for Jamaica from Level 3 to Level 2, describing it as a significant milestone. He extended heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, whose diplomatic leadership was instrumental in the change, as well as to Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, for his pivotal support.

Minister Bartlett reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to leveraging tourism as a vehicle for inclusive national development. “Our aim is not merely to grow, but to thrive and to ensure that every Jamaican thrives with us,” he stressed.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, June 19, 2025: With cruise passengers accounting for a significant number of tourists to the island, the Ministry of Tourism is targeting an increase in this sub-sector of the travel industry.

Having secured a landmark 1.2 million cruise passengers in 2024, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says through the Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC), a public body of the Ministry, “we will work with global partners to expand cruise tourism offerings that benefit locals directly, from new cruise village projects to craft and cultural showcases that demonstrate authentic Jamaican creativity.”

He noted that the visitors travelled to the island on ships operated by various leading cruise lines, including inaugural visits from prestigious vessels like Disney Treasure and Celebrity Ascent.

“Unlocking the Power of Cruise Tourism” is one of 15 strategic pillars that Minister Bartlett revealed to Parliament in his Sectoral Debate presentation on Tuesday (June 17, 2025), to guide the ministry’s work in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

He also mentioned that there has been a series of seminars with over 230 manufacturers coming together to explore creating a tourism supply logistics centre. What that will do, he pointed out, is to ensure that the supply needs are met. Underscoring the importance of this proposal, Minister Bartlett pointed out that “the wealth of tourism is in the supply side and there is a need to understand that it is the consumption pattern of the visitor that has to be met, and once that is met then the wealth stays in the destination.”

Minister Bartlett said: “We have been talking with some of our large partners, particularly the cruise lines, and they are ready and willing to take Jamaican manufactured goods.” 

Having been pushing that message over time, he felt that “we’re finally getting there and we’re looking at many other areas to meet the needs of the visitor and to secure a consumption pattern that will enable the wealth to stay in Jamaica.”

Minister Bartlett mentioned that under a special “Local First” initiative legislation is to be passed, and incentives introduced to ensure greater participation of Jamaican manufacturers, farmers, creatives, and professionals in the tourism supply chain. He said this approach is to ensure that more local money stays in Jamaican hands and circulates through communities. 

Citing the success of the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) digital platform, which links farmers directly with purchasing officers in hotels, Minister Bartlett said the new initiative being pursued builds directly on that framework and Jamaica’s achievement of 40.8% tourism dollar retention.

He highlighted the fact that “tourism has blossomed far beyond an industry—it has become the very heartbeat of Jamaica, fuelling prosperity, growth, and unity throughout every community and sector.” He added that “we have witnessed tourism ignite unprecedented growth in our agricultural fields, uplifting our farmers and revitalizing rural economies, and we have seen our manufacturing sector thrive, proudly delivering Jamaican-made goods that stand tall on the global stage.”