Jamaica pleased tourism boom continues to rise

The Jamaica Tourism Board invited more than 100 international buyers to Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX), the destination’s flagship tourism marketplace and it was a roaring success.

Held from 21-24 September in Montego Bay, Christopher Jarrett, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), spoke positively about the annual event which is designed to be an exchange of information and ideas, where buyers can learn about Jamaica’s hotels, attractions and experiences. Attendees also have opportunities to collaborate with suppliers, and those connections help ensure the island destination’s continued success.

“It’s not just about transactions,” he said. “It’s about building relationships that grow into longstanding partnerships, creating real and long-lasting benefits for Jamaica’s tourism sector.”

Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s minister of tourism, noted that Jamaica is the first Caribbean island to have facial recognition at its Montego Bay and Kingston airports. Long-term plans to improve the visitor experience at all three of the destination’s current airports include the terminal expansion currently underway at Sangster Airport, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. According to Audley Deidrick, president and CEO of the Airports Authority of Jamaica, construction will begin at a later date for a new, more efficient replacement terminal at the Montego Bay airport.