AGP Executive Report

Beach Access Fight: Jamaica’s public beach access is headed to court as campaigners and locals challenge privatisation that keeps many coastlines off-limits unless visitors pay hotel fees. Airport Expansion & Recovery: MBJ Airports says Sangster International is steadily bouncing back after Hurricane Melissa, with passenger and cargo recovery signals, while major upgrades continue despite earlier slumps. Roads for Tourism Mobility: The SPARK programme’s $25-billion second phase targets 37 major roadways, aiming to cut congestion and improve access to schools, hospitals and key tourism corridors. Dream Weekend 2026: Montego Bay festival organisers are pressing ahead with shuttle plans and security assurances as Dream Wknd 2026 prepares to draw thousands from 30 July to 4 August. Water & Coastal Resilience: Water minister Matthew Samuda highlights wastewater and water-supply investments as essential to protecting Jamaica’s coastal assets and strengthening resilience. New Summer Local Tourism Push: UDC launches “Enjoy Your Jamaica” with local-focused deals at Dunn’s River and summer bonfire events at Ocho Rios Bay Beach. Hospitality Leadership: Hospitality veteran Peter Fraser retires after decades shaping Sandals-style service across the region. All-Inclusive Growth: Sandals announces major reopening dates for three Jamaican resorts after large renovations, while UNICO prepares its first Jamaica all-inclusive in Montego Bay (early 2027). Safety Reminder for Families: CPFSA urges parents to boost supervision and water safety during summer holidays.

Tourism Investment & Product Upgrades: UNICO is set to debut UNICO Montego Bay, its first Jamaica all-inclusive, with an early-2027 opening and a boutique-luxury concept aimed at upscale travellers. Resort Reopenings: Sandals confirms reopening dates for Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay and the renamed Sandals Caribbean Cay after major renovations, with returns beginning this fall into winter. Aviation & Recovery: Minister Daryl Vaz says Jamaica’s aviation sector is steadily recovering post-Hurricane Melissa, with passenger projections rising to about 6.1M in 2026 and 7M in 2027 as tourism infrastructure rebounds. Airlift Growth: Jamaica Tourist Board targets Canada for the biggest next-winter seat-capacity jump, citing new/expanded routes including Porter, Air Canada and WestJet. Sports Tourism: Jamaica’s National Stadium track earns World Athletics Class One certification, and talks advance on a $550M Trelawny Stadium redevelopment to boost sports tourism. Culture & Year-Round Tourism: Minister Satyakama Maharaj highlights creative industries as a driver of year-round tourism and economic growth, while Jamaica’s own tourism governance and modernization push continues. Family Travel Safety: CPFSA urges parents to boost supervision and water safety during summer break as children face higher risks when unsupervised. Local Events & Community: Jamaica’s tourism ecosystem also gets a boost from new attractions and community initiatives, including the push to strengthen local experiences for visitors.

Tourism 3.0 Push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association to reinvent itself as the sector moves into its next decade, with plans for a National Tourism Council to bring owners and investors into leadership. Canada Route Boost: Jamaica Tourist Board says Canada will drive the biggest jump in airline seats next winter, with new and expanded services including Porter, Air Canada and WestJet—aimed especially at western Canada. Awards & Industry Recognition: JHTA’s 65th awards luncheon honoured tourism leaders including TEF architect Dr. Godfrey Dyer and JPS for resilience after Hurricane Melissa. Community Resilience: MoBay Stronger Foundation formalised its post-Melissa support, including its Backpack for Success programme. Safety & Travel Notes: Jamaica ranked the most peaceful destination in the Caribbean for 2026, while a separate report warns travellers about US B1/B2 visa rules. Local Crime Impact: PM Holness linked long delays on Vineyard Town housing to criminality and gang activity that stalled construction for nearly nine years. Film & Culture: Jamaican-made thriller “Stew Peas” sold out its premiere and earned six Caribbean Film Award nominations.

Tourism Governance: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the Government is pushing infrastructure and destination development to grow Jamaica’s tourism “economy,” while calls for a National Tourism Authority aim to tighten coordination across agencies. Industry Leadership: The JHTA 65th Annual Awards Luncheon at Sandals Dunn’s River honoured Dr. Godfrey Dyer with a Lifetime Achievement Award and named S Hotels CEO Christopher Issa Hotelier of the Year, citing recovery support after Hurricane Melissa. Cruise Strategy: Jamaica Tourist Board plans to boost “cruise conversion,” encouraging cruise visitors to return for longer overnight stays to spread spending beyond ports. Accommodation Update: Sandals confirms reopening dates after a $200m renovation: Sandals South Coast (Nov 18, 2026) and Sandals Montego Bay plus Sandals Caribbean Cay (Dec 18, 2026). Local Business Support: Development Bank of Jamaica’s M5 Business Recovery Programme is backing hurricane-impacted firms, including Bay Guide Transport in St. James. Safety & Policy: Jamaica denies rumours about housing third-country nationals in Grants Town, St. Mary, urging calm as police monitor the area.

Tourism Governance Overhaul: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica is moving to modernize tourism oversight with a new Tourism Authority and supporting legislation under the “Tourism 3.0” agenda, aiming for a clearer, faster, stronger governance framework. Industry Leadership: Bartlett also congratulated O’Brian Heron on his election as president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), while S Hotels CEO Christopher Issa was named JHTA Hotelier of the Year for leadership during Hurricane Melissa recovery. Cruise-to-Stay Strategy: The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is pushing “cruise conversion,” targeting more cruise passengers to return as overnight visitors to boost local spending beyond port arrivals. Luxury Resort Reopenings: Three Sandals properties in Jamaica—Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay, and Sandals Caribbean Cay—are set to reopen in Nov/Dec 2026 after a combined $200 million renovation. Tourism Growth Partnerships: Jamaica’s tourism push also includes new initiatives like a planned synthetic ice partnership for the Jamaica Ice Hockey Federation and ongoing efforts to expand visitor experiences and natural offerings. Economic Backdrop: STATIN reports Jamaica’s economy contracted 4.1% in Q1 2026, with accommodation and food services down 16.6%, underscoring the urgency of tourism reforms.

Tour Trade Tech: WTE Miami 2026 is putting travel advisors at the centre of its October show, building its programme around “Travel Advisor of the Future” as AI and new booking models reshape how Americans plan trips. Diaspora & Investment: Jamaica’s Permanent Secretary says the country must turn sporting success into business growth, attracting investment and expanding exports. Tourism Product Push: Sandals is rolling out refreshed food and beverage concepts across its Jamaican resorts, with a stronger focus on local ingredients and island storytelling. New Experiences in MoBay: A Mi Mek It Jamaica launches in Montego Bay, offering an “authentic backyard” style attraction where visitors make their own souvenirs and connect with local culture. Industry Leadership: Edmund Bartlett congratulates new JHTA president O’Brian Heron, pledging continued partnership to boost tourism growth. Nature-Positive Tourism: Jamaica’s environment minister urges stakeholders to market the island’s nature and hiking trails as the next phase beyond “sun, sea and sand.” Safety & Rumours: Deputy PM Horace Chang denies reports of Third Country Nationals being housed in Grants Town, St Mary, urging calm as bookings and community tensions are affected. Global Peace Index: Jamaica is ranked the Caribbean’s most peaceful destination for 2026, placing it among the region’s safest travel picks.

Tourism Supply Push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica will set up a Tourism Supply Logistics Centre to cut import “leakages” and boost local participation, positioning it as a key part of the Tourism 3.0 plan. Resilient Hospitality Leadership: Bartlett also congratulated O’Brian Heron as the new JHTA president, backing continued partnership to improve visitor experiences and strengthen local linkages. Local Experiences in MoBay: A Mi Mek It Jamaica officially opened in Montego Bay, offering an “authentic backyard” setup where visitors create souvenirs and experience Jamaican culture through food, music and nature. Sandals Culinary Upgrade: Sandals rolled out refreshed food-and-beverage concepts across its Jamaican resorts, with island-led storytelling and new dining and bar experiences at Sandals Montego Bay, Caribbean Cay and South Coast. Nature-Positive Tourism: Environment Minister Matthew Samuda urged tourism stakeholders to market Jamaica’s nature assets—shifting the product beyond “sun, sea and sand” into mountains, rivers and hiking trails. Diaspora & Investment Call: The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay renewed the push for overseas Jamaicans to invest, including in real estate and business opportunities.

Tourism Governance: Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica will set up a National Tourism Council to bring ministries and tourism stakeholders under “one tourism voice,” strengthening coordination beyond the Ministry’s remit. Sustainable Product Push: Tourism stakeholders are being urged to market Jamaica as a nature-positive destination, moving the offer from “sun, sea and sand” to mountains, rivers, hiking and nature walks. Industry Pressure Points: JHTA warns Jamaica could lose competitiveness unless resort-town infrastructure improves—roads, drainage, water systems and street lighting—while also opposing a proposed GCT hike on tourism activities. Resort Updates: Sandals is rolling out refreshed dining concepts across its Jamaica properties, with a stronger focus on local ingredients and island storytelling. Disaster Solidarity: Jamaica and the region are responding to Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, with calls for urgent support as the death toll rises. Fisheries Recovery: Government plans to expand its Boat and Equipment Retooling Initiative, adding boats and engines for fishers hit by Hurricane Melissa, with India also contributing. Travel Tech: Reliant Destinations launches LUMI, a 24/7 AI assistant for planning Sandals & Beaches stays. Air Connectivity: Jamaica targets Colombian travellers with new air service, while cruise and airline deal coverage continues to highlight Caribbean demand.

Tourism Governance: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica will establish a National Tourism Council to create “one tourism voice,” strengthening coordination across ministries and stakeholders and building on the Tourism Linkages Council. Tourism Policy: The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is pushing back on a proposed GCT increase on tourism activities, warning operators are locked into older contracts and urging talks with PM Holness. Resort Safety: Negril stakeholders met to keep the destination safe, stressing it’s a “we” destination where hotels, vendors and residents all share responsibility for visitor confidence. Wellness Tourism: JACANA unveiled its Caribbean Wellness Platform, anchored by a 100-acre USDA Organic farm in St. Ann, aiming to position Jamaica as a global hub for restorative travel. Aviation Oversight: Jamaica’s Senate passed the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act to strengthen safety oversight and align with ICAO standards. Tourism Workforce: Bartlett highlighted growth in the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme and ongoing support for tourism workers. Local Events: Sandals and Beaches specialist Reliant Destinations launched the LUMI AI assistant to help travelers plan and compare resort options 24/7.

Tourism Governance: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica will set up a National Tourism Council to create “one tourism voice,” strengthening coordination across ministries and stakeholders and building on the Tourism Linkages Council. Tax Pressure: The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is pushing back on a proposed rise in GCT on tourism activities, arguing it could hit operators locked into long-term contracts; Bartlett is set to meet the tourism body soon. Resort Infrastructure: JHTA warns Jamaica could lose its tourism edge unless governments fast-track roads, drainage, water and other resort-town infrastructure, citing Negril’s flooding, roads and water reliability issues. Aviation Oversight: The Senate passed the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act, 2026, aimed at aligning Jamaica’s aviation laws with international standards and boosting safety oversight. Air Connectivity: Wingo launched a new direct Medellín–Montego Bay route, with early signs of strong demand as Jamaica targets more Latin American visitors. Wellness Tourism: JACANA unveiled a Caribbean Wellness Platform, tying together organic farming, botanical care, nature experiences and apothecary retail to position the region as a global wellness destination.

Tourism Tax Talks: Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) says a proposed GCT increase on tourism activities could hurt operators, arguing many hotels and attractions are locked into older contracts; JHTA President Christopher Jarrett will meet PM Andrew Holness on July 2. Resort Infrastructure Warning: Jarrett also warned that without faster investment in roads, drainage, water and other resort-town infrastructure, Jamaica risks losing its tourism edge—Negril is cited for flooding, weak drainage, unreliable water and worsening roads. Aviation Oversight Boost: The Senate passed the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act, 2026, aiming to strengthen safety oversight, align with international standards and raise penalties for non-compliance. Latin America Air Access: Wingo launched a new direct Medellín–Montego Bay route, with early demand strong on both arrival and return legs, as Jamaica pushes to diversify beyond traditional markets. Tourism Workforce & Skills: Jamaica’s JMTC is rolling out its Theatrix Apprenticeship Programme (July 7–11) to train the next generation of theatre professionals. Wellness Travel Push: JACANA unveiled a Caribbean Wellness Platform tying botanical personal care, plant medicines and nature-based experiences to grow wellness tourism. Community Safety in Negril: Negril stakeholders met to keep the resort community safe, stressing tourism is a “we” destination and everyone has a role.

Aviation Policy Boost: Jamaica’s Senate has approved the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act, 2026, aiming to tighten aviation safety oversight, modernise accident/incident investigation rules, and update penalties to match international standards. New Air Link to Latin America: Wingo launched a direct Medellín–Montego Bay route, with 117 passengers arriving on the inaugural flight, as Jamaica pushes to diversify beyond traditional markets—especially Colombia. Tourism Workforce Security: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme is now worth $5.3 billion, with 10,000+ workers registered and benefits set to begin at age 65 for those meeting the vesting period. Wellness Tourism Push: JACANA unveiled a Caribbean Wellness Platform, bringing botanical personal care, plant medicines, and nature-based experiences under one brand built on its St. Ann organic farm. Regional Cooperation: Jamaica and Guyana signed agreements covering energy (including a new energy working group), security/defence, tourism, agriculture, and financial services—cementing a broader macro-regional partnership. Public Beach Access: Montego Bay and Ocho Rios officials reiterated that public beach access remains protected while management and infrastructure improvements continue. Safety Alert: Two people died in a fiery crash on the Williamsfield leg of Highway 2000 early Saturday morning.

Tourism Policy & Jobs: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme is now worth $5.3 billion, with over 10,000 workers registered and benefits tied to a five-year vesting period. Tourism 3.0: Bartlett also pushed the “Tourism 3.0” agenda to expand local benefits and inclusion, while other coverage highlights AI training and more tourism workers back on the job. Public Beach Access: Officials in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios reaffirmed commitments to unrestricted public beach access, even as new development plans move forward. Regional Tourism Solidarity: Jamaica’s GTRCMC and Minister Edmund Bartlett sent condolences and pledged support to Venezuela after the June 24 earthquakes, aiming to help rebuild the tourism sector. Travel & Culture: A feature on how jerk chicken became Jamaica’s iconic dish, plus a spotlight on Jamaica’s global splash through music and culture. Business/Leisure: Sandals unveiled refreshed dining concepts across its Jamaica resorts as part of a major $200M transformation.

Tourism Workers Pension Scheme: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica’s Tourism Workers Pension Scheme has grown to $5.3 billion in savings, with 10,000+ workers registered and benefits starting at 65 after a five-year vesting period. Tourism 3.0: Bartlett also outlined “Tourism 3.0,” aiming to turn tourism into a wider economic engine that boosts local retention, resilience, and participation across supply chains. Public Beach Access: Officials in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios reaffirmed commitments to unrestricted public beach access, pairing it with management and infrastructure upgrades for visitors. Sandals Jamaica Upgrades: Sandals shared details of new dining concepts rolling out across its Jamaica resorts as part of a $200 million transformation. Diaspora & Tourism Links: Jamaica’s Diaspora Conference coverage highlights growing interest in real estate investment and continued community support, including a diaspora day of service restoring a Montego Bay school. Travel Connectivity: United Airlines announced nonstop Denver–Providenciales service, adding another Caribbean route that also strengthens Jamaica’s wider regional air access.

Tourism 3.0 Push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica’s next phase is “Tourism 3.0,” aiming to turn visitor growth into broader local retention and economic participation, with plans like a Tourism Supply Logistics Centre and a “Local First” policy to cut import leakage and boost Jamaican suppliers. Workforce & Skills: Bartlett also reported that Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation has certified over 25,000 tourism workers through benchmarked programmes, alongside growth in the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme. Tourism Infrastructure for Jobs: The proposed Tourism Supply Logistics Centre would link ports, airports, farms, factories and community producers to strengthen the tourism supply chain and create wider job opportunities. Beach Access Politics: PNP municipal leaders distanced themselves from the Government’s beach access plan, while others reaffirmed support for unrestricted public access and coastal resilience. Diaspora Dollars & Giving Back: Diaspora investment continues to lean heavily toward real estate, and volunteers restored a hurricane-impacted school in Montego Bay through a Day of Service. New Route for Visitors: Wingo launched a new Montego Bay–Medellín route three times weekly, adding low-cost regional connectivity. Health & Interns: Health Minister Tufton ordered a 72-hour audit of medical interns’ accommodation and duty rosters across public facilities.

Tourism Policy Push: Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica is moving ahead with a “Local First” policy to keep more tourism earnings in-country, with Cabinet already approving the concept notes and a focus on stronger local sourcing, reduced import leakage, and measurable value retention. Tourism Supply Upgrade: Bartlett also announced plans for a Tourism Supply Logistics Centre as a Special Economic Zone to connect hotels, attractions, farmers, packhouses and manufacturers through warehousing, cold-chain, procurement support and digital demand planning. Hurricane Recovery Spotlight: Bartlett praised RIU Hotels and Resorts for its Hurricane Melissa response, highlighting care packages and a US$1 million loan to help employees rebuild. Air Access Boost: Wingo launched a new Montego Bay–Medellín route three times weekly, adding direct low-cost connectivity for Jamaicans and Colombian travellers. Workforce & Fair Pay: Opposition legislator Damion Crawford urged a special minimum wage for tourism workers, citing unpredictable hours, higher living costs in tourism areas, and emotional labour. Beach Access Assurance: Mayors in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios reaffirmed commitments to unrestricted public beach access, pointing to ongoing UDC management and planned improvements. Visitor Growth Context: Bartlett said room and airlift constraints slowed recovery after Hurricane Melissa, but new flight additions are expected to help as more rooms return.