Resilient Tourism Recovery: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica’s hotel reopening momentum is strong after Hurricane Melissa, with about 80% of rooms back in operation and $4 billion earmarked for marketing and partnerships. Destination Jamaica Overhaul: Bartlett also outlined plans to redesign Montego Bay’s waterfront and other townships, with NaRRA overseeing execution and designs aimed at a “Biscayne Boulevard” style for Freeport. Cruise Growth: Jamaica welcomed 736,000+ cruise passengers across 234 calls in the first seven months of 2026, with Falmouth, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay leading, and a push to expand beyond resort towns. New Stays & Upgrades: Royalton reopened its full Jamaica portfolio—five all-inclusives across Negril and Montego Bay—after major renovations, adding redesigned rooms, beach Wi-Fi, apps, and an AI concierge planned. Local Business Opportunity: AIC Hotels’ Unico brand will debut in Jamaica next March with a 451-room Montego Bay resort designed to weave in local culture, while Canada demand is said to be outstripping accommodation, creating openings for small operators. Infrastructure for Visitors: Cemex has started a US$51.85m NMIA apron reconstruction project to support airport modernization, and Ocho Rios’ $50m beautification work is nearly complete. Tourism Skills Pipeline: Students will explore AI careers in tourism at a Sept. 30 youth forum under Tourism Awareness Week.