Tourism Minister to Make Strategic Visits to New York and Spain

Kingston, Jamaica; Wednesday, January 14, 2026: Jamaica’s aggressive global marketing drive to rebuild and reposition its tourism sector following the passage of Hurricane Melissa intensified today, as Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island to lead a high-level marketing blitz which picks up in New York, to be followed by Jamaica’s participation in the prestigious FITUR international tourism tradeshow in Madrid, Spain.

The New York mission, which runs from January 15–17, forms part a multi-market campaign aimed at boosting visitor confidence, strengthening trade and media relationships, and accelerating Jamaica’s tourism recovery. Minister Bartlett is accompanied by a team from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and will return to the island on Saturday, January 17, ahead of his departure for Madrid, Spain on Monday, January 19. He is scheduled to return from FITUR on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

“This marketing blitz is about more than restoring numbers; it is about restoring livelihoods, momentum and confidence surrounding our tourism sector, on which the Jamaican people depend. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, we have taken decisive steps to stabilise and rebuild the sector, and now we are telling Jamaica’s recovery story directly to our most important partners and markets,” Minister Bartlett emphasised. 

While in New York, Minister Bartlett will engage major US media entities, travel advisors and industry influencers. On Thursday, January 15, he will tour NBC Studios and participate in activities surrounding the TODAY Show, followed by a high-level media luncheon with representatives from media outlets including Forbes, Ebony, Fodor’s Travel, TravelPulse, TimeOut and leading Caribbean and diaspora platforms. That evening, he will host a travel agent engagement function, strengthening ties with frontline sellers of Destination Jamaica.

On Friday, January 16, the Minister will hold targeted meetings with senior editors Billy Cohen from AFAR and Grace White from Essence and record a podcast interview with Pauline Frommer of The Frommer’s Travel Show, further amplifying Jamaica’s recovery narrative across influential platforms.

Following the New York mission, Minister Bartlett will lead Jamaica’s delegation to the 46th staging of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), one of the world’s premier tourism tradeshows, being held in Madrid from January 21–25. FITUR is the leading platform for inbound and outbound tourism for Ibero-America and a critical space for engaging global investors, tour operators, airlines and travel media.

“This signals the intensification of Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding initiative following hurricane Melissa,” Minister Bartlett noted. “Despite the impact of the hurricane, Jamaica performed strongly in 2025, and our presence at FITUR allows us to convert resilience into renewed growth by securing partnerships, investments and market confidence,” he added. 

During FITUR, the Minister will hold high-level meetings with representatives of UN Tourism, the TUI Group, Grupo Piñero (operators of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts), Hyatt Hotels, and development firm Invertol, among others. He will also participate in several consumer and trade media interviews to further position Jamaica for a successful winter and summer season ahead.

“These engagements are essential to ensuring that tourism continues to drive economic growth, job creation and opportunities for our people. Jamaica is rebuilding with purpose, and the world will hear clearly that we are open, resilient and ready,” the tourism minister stressed. 

This two-stop mission represents the latest phase of a wider international marketing drive that will also include engagements in London, South America, Canada and India, as Jamaica continues to restore its tourism industry and protect the livelihoods it sustains.

Sunset at the Palms Resort Secures Fourth Place in USA Today Ranking 

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; Thursday, January 8, 2026: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has lauded the achievement of S Hotel Montego Bay on being named the Best All-inclusive Caribbean Resort for 2026 by USA Today Readers’ Choice 10 Best Awards. Minister Bartlett has also commended Sunset at the Palms Resort, Negril on securing fourth place in the same USA Today ranking. 

Minister Bartlett said “this is a tremendous accomplishment and welcome news as the tourism sector recovers following the passage of hurricane Melissa. To be able to remain top of mind among travellers and secure such prestigious accolades is proof of the resilience of our local properties, including S Hotel Montego Bay and Sunset at the Palms, and their continued commitment to always providing excellent service regardless of the circumstances.”  

His comments came yesterday (January 7) as he gave the keynote address at the launch of recording artiste Suga’s remake of Bobby Bloom’s global hit song, “Montego Bay” and the celebration of S Hotel Montego Bay’s seventh anniversary. The occasion was marked by the announcement of S Hotel Montego Bay securing the coveted award.

In response owner Chris Issa said “we didn’t know how well we were going to do but we were really hopeful. Especially with the after effects of Melissa, we felt that if we won this award it would be a good boost for Jamaica, for our tourism industry, and we’re so happy that we did.” Congratulating the hotel’s’ team for making it possible, Mr. Issa also pointed out that this was the hotel’s third international tourism award in just three months.

Recording artiste Suga was also commended for her version of “Montego Bay”, which is supported by VP Records and Penthouse Records, with a highly professional video that promotes the iconic city.

Minister Bartlett also revealed that a major transformation of the waterfront from Montego Bay’s cruise ship pier in the west to Falmouth in the east, is being explored under a bold plan to reimagine Montego Bay, to enable it “to be the most significant tourism destination in the entire Caribbean.”

In outlining the new vision for the area, Minister Bartlett gave an assurance that “there will be no single destination within the Caribbean area that will have the kind and quality of product that Montego Bay will have when we are finished.”

The reimagined look of Montego Bay will include two mega hotels in the Rose Hall area, creating what Mr. Bartlett described as “the casino crescent of the Caribbean” and the world’s first innovation township to be developed in the nearby community of Barrett Town. He said discussions with a leading international architect with Jamaican roots, but who was not named, commence today.

In response to concerns that post Hurricane Melissa only 42 percent of Montego Bay’s room stock has been reopened, with the others scheduled for November, Minister Bartlett urged understanding of what is being done, promising that “we’re coming back with a bigger, better and more exciting experiential tourism offering that is going to drive Jamaica to another dimension in growth and development.”

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s aggressive marketing drive to fully rebuild tourism post hurricaneMelissa, picks up on Wednesday, January 14, when Minister Bartlett will leave the island to lead a team on a marketing blitz beginning in New York; to be followed by a trip to attend the FITUR international tourism tradeshow in Spain; a visit to London; three days in South America before going on to Canada and then to India.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Wednesday, December 17, 2025 – Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island today for a three-day strategic mission to New York aimed at accelerating Jamaica’s tourism recovery following Hurricane Melissa. 

With the United States as Jamaica’s primary source market, the mission will provide direct engagement with major media outlets and key trade publications to ensure continued stability and growth in visitor arrivals.  

“Sustained engagement with our key partners in the United States is critical as we enter the Winter Tourist Season,” said Minister Bartlett. “The purpose of these engagements, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, is to stabilize and stimulate our main market. These efforts are vital for our tourism direct revenue inflows and the essential linkages tourism provides to other economic sectors.”  

The delegation’s itinerary focuses on two primary objectives: market reinforcement and inventory restoration. Minister Bartlett will be engaging in an intensive media blitz, including televised interviews on NBC’s New York Live, FOX WNYW’s Good Night New York and WPIX New York Living.  The broadcasts will be complemented  by strategic meetings with The New York Times Travel Editor Amy Virshup and Elle Magazine’s Claire Stern Milch as well as a media luncheon featuring leading industry publications such as Travel Weekly, Latte Luxury Travel and Travel Pulse. 

By highlighting Jamaica’s hurricane recovery and global tourism resilience, the mission underscores that the destination remains "open for business" and ready to welcome visitors.

Reflecting on the progress made since the storm, Minister Bartlett noted, "Our recovery has exceeded expectations. Jamaica is not just back; we are stronger and more resilient. The dedication of our tourism workers, many of whom were personally affected by the hurricane, exemplifies the true spirit of Jamaica. Every visitor who chooses Jamaica during this time directly supports the rebuilding of communities and the restoration of livelihoods."  

The mission comes on the heels of the official start of the 2025/26 Winter Tourist Season on December 15. Currently, approximately 70% of Jamaica’s hotel inventory is operational, with all major airports and attractions fully open to the public. To date, Jamaica has already welcomed over 300,000 visitors in the six weeks following the hurricane, signalling a robust rebound for the industry.  

The Minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Donovan White, Director of Tourism, and Fiona Fennell, Public Relations and Communications Manager at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). They are scheduled to return to the island on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Tourism Housing Assistance Recovery Programme (THARP) Being Introduced

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Monday, December 15, 2025: With 70 percent of the island’s tourism assets ready for today’s December 15 official reopening of the tourism sector, following the impact of hurricane Melissa, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is crediting the indomitable spirit of tourism workers for making it happen, noting that “the recovery cannot be complete without the workers of our industry.” 

In hailing the contribution of the workers, Minister Bartlett outlined that “I visited the various hotels and attractions as they were coming back onstream and we heard the stories of our tourism workers and partners who all rallied around to ensure that we could meet the December 15 deadline for the reopening of the industry.”

Noting that the reopening also coincides with the start of the winter tourist season, Minister Bartlett lauded the support provided by tourism businesses to their workers who have been impacted by Melissa. Mr. Bartlett also underscored that “to date some US$15 million in support has been provided by industry partners in providing care packages, loan arrangements and grants to tourism workers to help them to repair their houses and to survive during this period.”

While giving an extensive review of the industry to stakeholders at an annual staff appreciation breakfast at the Norman Manley International Airport today, Minister Bartlett revealed that “we have established a special programme called THARP; that is the Tourism Housing Assistance Recovery Programme, which will have over $2 billion available to start providing grant support to tourism workers who have been affected, primarily those who have lost roofs and homes.”

He later explained that “tomorrow we will launch that programme at the Pegasus Hotel…, and overall more than 5,000 workers will benefit from that initiative.”

Minister Bartlett also explained that tourism partners in Canada successfully staged the Harmonies of Hope Hurricane Melissa Aid Concert on December 5, which “raised some 2.5 million Canadian dollars to assist workers and tourism communities across Jamaica.”

Expressing confidence of the full recovery of the industry, Minister Bartlett disclosed that within the last four weeks, Jamaica has welcomed some 300,000 visitors, including 180,000 stopover arrivals and 120,000 cruise passengers. He added that “we brought in 20,800 tourists since Thursday of last week to Sunday December 14.”

Looking ahead, he anticipates full recovery soon, given the goodwill that Jamaica enjoys globally and the confidence in the destination. He outlined that “COPA Airlines is increasing its service to Montego Bay to 10 flights per week, in addition to its five flights to Kingston, giving Jamaica a greater presence in the South American tourism market.”

Mr. Bartlett also projects more flights out of the United Kingdom with Virgin, TUI and British Airways as well as Condor out of Germany each having “a strong presence.”

The destination is also targeting the US, recognized as Jamaica’s largest market, for increased business, and later this week Minister Bartlett and Director of Tourism, Donovan White will spearhead a major marketing blitz in the New York tristate area. This comes on the heels of a two-day marketing trip to Canada last week.

“We will be all over the globe as we try to ensure that within a short period of time the growth trajectory of tourism in Jamaica will be met,” said Minister Bartlett. He assured “the partners who are prepared to join the process as we move on with the recovery, we are with you.” 

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Wednesday, December 10, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island today for Toronto, Canada, to begin a two-day strategic engagement mission aimed at deepening partnerships in one of Jamaica’s most vital source markets. Coordinated by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), this visit comes at a pivotal moment as Destination Jamaica intensifies its winter season preparations and accelerates its post-Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.

Minister Bartlett noted that the Canadian market, which was already demonstrating strong pre-Melissa demand, remains central to Jamaica’s global tourism outlook. He said, “Canada continues to be one of our largest and most reliable partners. With several new routes coming online this winter and strong interest from travellers seeking warm, safe and enriching experiences, this mission ensures that Jamaica remains top of mind and top of market during this critical recovery window.”

Upon arrival, Minister Bartlett will participate in the Harmonies of Hope Hurricane Melissa Aid Concert at the Meridian Performing Arts Centre, an event supported by regional partners and members of the diaspora to raise funds for Jamaica’s post-hurricane recovery efforts. 

On Thursday, December 11, the tourism minister will participate in a series of media appearances to promote the destination and reassure travellers that Jamaica is ready for the winter season. His day begins with an in-studio interview on Breakfast Television, followed by an in-studio interview on Flow 98.7. He will then attend a lunch meeting with businessman and tourism ally Wes Hall, before concluding the day with a Jamaica Gleaner interview. 

He emphasized that, “Recovery is not passive; it requires presence, partnership and proactive communication. By meeting directly with media, investors, and key diaspora leaders, we are securing the momentum needed to restore full demand and ensure that Jamaica emerges even stronger in 2026 and beyond.”

Minister Bartlett, along with the Director of Tourism, Donovan White, and other officials, will return home on Friday, December 12. 

Miami, Florida; Monday, December 8, 2025: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has been appointed Chair of a new high-level Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) committee that will craft a regional strategy to manage the supply side of tourism and retain a larger share of tourism earnings within Caribbean economies.

The committee will focus on deepening linkages between tourism and sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and the creative industries, so that more value is created and kept in Caribbean communities. It will include representatives from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This committee is about moving from leakage to linkage,” Minister Bartlett said. “Our goal is to ensure that more of every tourism dollar stays in the Caribbean, builds our businesses, creates quality jobs for our people and strengthens the resilience of our economies. By working together as a region, we can secure a bigger share of the value that tourism generates in our own space,” he added.

Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Ian Gooding-Edghill, explained: “The appointment of Minister Bartlett to chair this Committee concretizes the decision taken by the CTO member countries at the September 30 Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism meeting to expand the region’s focus on building stronger linkages in the tourism sector.”

“As Jamaica has been a leading proponent of the supply side of tourism and the retention of revenues from the sector, the Council of Ministers and Commissioners unanimously agreed that Minister Bartlett should lead this regional initiative,” the Chairman said. 

“We are pleased that the Minister has accepted yet another challenge to further advance the development of the region’s tourism sector, as the CTO’s Council reaffirms its commitment to pursuing this strategy,” he expressed.

To ensure a strong technical foundation for the initiative, Minister Bartlett also offered the services of Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), to develop the Terms of Reference (TOR) to guide the committee’s work.

He further updated ministers on Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa, noting that the country is on track to have approximately 70 percent of its hotel rooms back in operation by January, supported by intensive repair and renovation works, and that capacity at Jamaica’s three international airports is already back above 85 percent of pre-Melissa levels as airlift is restored for the winter season.

Minister Bartlett expressed deep appreciation for the strong show of solidarity from sister Caribbean countries, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, the US Virgin Islands, The Bahamas and others, emphasising that regional support has been vital in accelerating Jamaica’s recovery and protecting tourism jobs.

The CTO Secretariat has also been mandated to undertake exploratory work on the carrying capacities of member states, providing critical data to support the committee’s recommendations and to underpin sustainable, resilient tourism growth across the region.

KINGSTON, Jamaica; Thursday, December 4, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, departed the island yesterday for Miami, Florida, where he will undertake a robust series of high-level engagements designed to reinforce international confidence in Destination Jamaica as the country advances its tourism recovery and prepares for the 2025/26 winter tourist season. 

Ahead of his departure, the tourism minister explained that Miami, one of Jamaica’s most important airline connection hubs and a major source market gateway, provides the ideal platform to deliver direct updates to media, business partners, diaspora stakeholders, and regional policymakers on Jamaica’s readiness and resilience following Hurricane Melissa.

Reflecting on the significance of this mission, Minister Bartlett emphasised Jamaica’s strong rebound: “Jamaica is recovering with tremendous momentum. Across Ocho Rios, Negril, Montego Bay, Port Antonio and Kingston, we are seeing properties come back online, attractions reopening, and workers returning to their duties with remarkable dedication. Our people are eager to resume full operations, and this visit to Miami allows us to reassure the global market that Jamaica is safe, ready, and open for business.”

Minister Bartlett’s visit will feature a full day of marketing, media, and business activities spearheaded by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). His schedule begins on December 4 with a taped appearance on WSFL-TV’s “Inside South Florida,” where he will provide viewers with detailed insights on Jamaica’s recovery progress, the reopening of hotels and attractions across Ocho Rios, Negril, Montego Bay, Port Antonio, and Kingston, and the measures being implemented to ensure a safe and seamless visitor experience. 

The tourism minister will then participate in a strategic business meeting with Airbnb representatives and senior JTB officials, including Donovan White, Director of Tourism and Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas. 

Later in the afternoon, Minister Bartlett will join members of the South Florida Caribbean Diaspora press at the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum in Plantation, Florida, for a targeted media engagement. 

Outlets such as South Florida Caribbean News, Caribbean National Weekly, Voice of the Caribbean, WAVS 1170 Radio, and Jamaicans.com will receive real-time briefings on the country’s recovery efforts, community restoration, workforce mobilisation, and the timeline for the full return of tourism operations. Rounding out the day’s activities, Minister Bartlett will meet with Vinod Sreeharsha, Business and Tourism Trends Reporter at the Miami Herald. 

On Friday, December 5, Minister Bartlett will attend the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) Special Purpose Meeting of the Council of Ministers and Commissioners at the Loews Hotel Coral Gables. The meeting will review progress on regional recovery, provide updates on Hurricane Melissa relief efforts across member states, and examine the final draft of the CTO Air Connectivity Study. Minister Bartlett will contribute to discussions on aligning regional recovery strategies, safeguarding aviation access, and strengthening coordination among Caribbean destinations as the region enters one of its most critical travel periods.

Later that day, the tourism minister will participate in the prestigious Nobel Sustainability Trust Miami Summit 2025 at The St. Regis Bal Harbour. Bringing together senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, academics, and global industry leaders, the summit will explore themes of leadership in implementation, biodiversity preservation, and smart, sustainable city development. Minister Bartlett is expected to share Jamaica’s ongoing work in building climate resilience, promoting sustainable tourism growth, and integrating smart technologies across key resort areas.

In addition to these engagements, Minister Bartlett will also serve as a featured speaker at the CTO’s upcoming fundraiser, “Caribbean Christmas of Hope,” part of Caribbean Weekend 2025 in Miami. The special event, scheduled for Friday, December 5, at the Loews Miami Hotel in Coral Gables, will raise funds to support hurricane relief and tourism restoration efforts in Jamaica and Haiti following Hurricane Melissa.

He further underscored the importance of these engagements for Jamaica’s long-term resilience: “This mission strengthens partnerships, expands our visibility and anchors investor and consumer confidence as we move into the peak season. It also reinforces our commitment to a recovery that is not only strong, but sustainable and forward-looking.”

Minister Bartlett is scheduled to return to the island on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

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. 

The extensive Montego Bay tour was one of three conducted in destination areas so far to determine their rate of recovery and readiness for the official reopening of the sector post- Melissa, which also coincides with the start of the winter tourist season. It covered the Sangster International Airport as well as several large, medium and small hotels and attractions.

Minister Bartlett was satisfied that "the most significant tourism destination within the Caribbean, Montego Bay, is ready for the start of the winter season, December 15, 2025.

Mr. Bartlett was particularly pleased with the positive reaction of tourism workers rallying to get their workplaces back in immaculate condition.  

"I want to commend the workers of the tourism industry who have been not just the energy that drives tourism, but the energy that's driving the recovery, because the reports that I get from all our stakeholders is how committed the workers have been even though they have suffered damage to their homes in some instances," he explained.

In the same breath, he commended the altruism of management who have reached out in support of staff affected to varying degrees by the historic hurricane. Minister Bartlett lauded the move by the operators of Toby’s Resort to give up half of its rooms to shelter workers and their families, who lost their homes. Concurrently, the hotel is also helping their staff members to rebuild their homes.

Minister Bartlett said he also wanted "to embrace the strong public-private partnership that has enabled this kind of recovery." 

The resilient spirit of the tourism workers was a key highlight of the tour for Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Tova Hamilton. "For me the key take away was the commitment, not just of the staff but for the staff," she stated.

Meanwhile, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Christopher Jarrett expressed pleasure at the state of preparedness:  "I'm happy to see that we have been as resilient as we could be and have bounced back." He added: "I'm pleased to note that the sector, not just the hotels and accommodation, but the other related sub-sectors - attractions and so on - have also been resilient and we have made tremendous recovery in just the few weeks and are as ready as we'll ever be and look forward to a wonderful winter season."

Bartlett Hails Rapid Tourism Recovery and New Investments                                             

Negril, Jamaica; Monday, December 1, 2025: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has declared that Negril will officially reopen for business on December 15, 2025 following a rapid and coordinated recovery effort after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking at the end of a Negril Tourism Recovery Tour on the weekend, Minister Bartlett said the uniquely styled resort area – long branded the “Capital of Casual” – has shown remarkable resilience, driven by strong collaboration among tourism partners, their workers and surrounding communities.

The tour placed particular emphasis on Negril’s signature boutique hotels, while also including major resort properties and key attractions along the corridor. Across the board, operators reported that the eagerness of staff and community members to rally around cleanup efforts has allowed many properties to begin receiving guests again and prepare for the critical winter tourist season, underscoring that Negril’s recovery is being led from the ground up by small Jamaican businesses that define the destination’s character.

Recounting several of the most moving examples, Minister Bartlett highlighted how recovery has been powered by people, even those who suffered personal loss.

At Chukka Ocean Outpost in Sandy Bay, staff who themselves were hit hard by the hurricane still turned up for work with a determination to restore the attraction quickly. Along Negril’s West End at Tensing Pen, nearly 100 residents came out the day after the storm to clean up the hotel so that it could reopen. The boutique resort is now projecting occupancy levels of over 80 percent early in the winter season.

At Coco La Palm, a long-standing repeat visitor shared how his 8th Grade daughter, Gabby Nichols, raised US$7,500 through a GoFundMe campaign to support hotel workers affected by the storm – a testament to the emotional bond guests feel with Negril and its people.

“I’m very pleased that, notwithstanding how hard the destination struggled at the beginning, we are there,” Minister Bartlett announced. “I can say to the world that Negril is ready for business and will officially open on December 15 as planned.”

Beyond human stories of resilience, Minister Bartlett underscored the strong investor confidence in Negril and Jamaica’s wider tourism sector, noting that all major projects remain on track.

“A second element is the extent to which our partners’ confidence remains very high in the destination,” he pointed out. “Every single property that had planned expansion and further development is still going through with its programme. These investments will secure jobs, deepen local supply chains and strengthen tourism’s contribution to Jamaica’s economy.”

Among the major projects, the Grand Palladium Resort & Spa in Hanover has confirmed that preliminary works have begun for the construction of an additional 1,000 rooms, slated to commence in January 2026. Across the island, other resort properties have also reaffirmed their development timelines. Bahia Principe will refurbish its 1,300 rooms and construct a further 365 high-end luxury rooms to be opened in 2027, together employing up to 3,000 workers. Sandals Resorts has also announced expansion plans.

“What we’re saying to the world, therefore, is that Jamaica is not only a symbol of resilience and our tourism is not just a symbol of strength,” Minister Bartlett added. “It is also a symbol of the confidence the world has in a small destination such as ours, even after experiencing arguably the worst weather event in the Northern Caribbean. After just a month, we can honestly and genuinely say to the world: we are open and ready for you.”

Guests already in the destination have also affirmed the quality of the experience. Chebo, a member of a 15-person family from Cameroon celebrating Thanksgiving at Grand Palladium, shared: “We love the resort. We’re enjoying it. We’re having a good time; the weather is fine. Jamaica is a welcoming country, the service has been good – everything has been good.”

Chairman of the Tourism Recovery Task Force, John Byles, also lauded the pace and partnership behind the rebound. Taking note of “the tourism product’s recovery,” he stressed that, “the most important thing I see, which always gives me confidence in our destination, is the coming together of government and private sector to pull all the pieces together. That is how we ensure a very quick recovery for Negril and for Jamaica.”

With Negril now on track to fully reopen on December 15, the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies will continue to work closely with industry partners to safeguard jobs, strengthen community resilience and ensure visitors enjoy safe, high-quality experiences throughout the winter tourist season and beyond.