Tag Archives: Jamaica

Jamaica is planning to build 11,500 new hotel rooms by 2030 as it looks to grow its tourism sector and welcome more visitors from the Middle East, says Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). “We want to attract more travellers from the GCC, so we’re building high-quality hotels with brands they already know and trust,” White said. He explained that many visitors from the Middle East prefer luxury international hotel brands, and Jamaica is working to bring those brands into the country. Jamaica has also been building strong connections with the region through events like the Arabian Travel Market and is exploring new flight options to improve access. To support this growth, the government is upgrading airports, improving road networks, and planning a third international airport, making it easier and faster for tourists to travel across the island.

Jamaica has officially launched a new era in tourism, welcoming 160 global buyers from regions including the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Europe to JAPEX 2025. The event signals a fresh path forward for the island’s tourism sector, centered on innovation, inclusivity, and a powerful new “local first” approach.  Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett praised Nicola Madden-Greig, Chair of JAPEX Planning Committee for her leadership in helping the Caribbean achieve the fastest tourism recovery post-COVID. He also emphasised the role of tourism as a key driver of the economy, powering growth and opportunity across Jamaica.  “This is the year of new thinking in tourism,” said Minister Bartlett. “We want to make the next five years a time of serious growth, development, and inclusive tourism. We aim to deepen local involvement in the rich and lucrative tourism value chain, so that tourism works even more for the people of Jamaica.”  He added that new policies and legislation will support this “local first” approach, with global partners playing a key role in making tourism more beneficial for Jamaicans than ever before. With global tourism expected to reach 3 billion travellers by 2035, Jamaica is preparing to redefine its role on the world tourism stage.