News from the Island: Jamaica’s Year of Growth, Culture and Innovation

 

With 3 million visitors so far in 2024 and exciting new developments, Jamaica soars to new heights with a promising 2025 on the horizon

 

Jamaica‘s tourism landscape is set to flourish in 2025 with an array of new luxury hotel openings and an exciting calendar of events that celebrate the island’s rich culture and culinary heritage.

 

2024 has ushered in a wave of new luxury accommodations, enhancing Jamaica’s reputation as a premier travel destination. Notable openings include the Princess Senses The Mangrove and Princess Grand Hotels and the Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle. Finally, Portland Parish has welcomed the exclusive Trident Hotel, with 11 secluded, oceanfront villas situated around a private cove, offering an intimate escape. The year has brought an additional 2,000 rooms to the island, significantly increasing bandwidth for the ever-increasing tourism demand.

 

Amid a plethora of new developments this year, Jamaica also welcomed Pompey, Diplo’s new luxury offering sanctuary in Portland, Jamaica. The hideaway offers a unique escape into a tropical Eden. With breathtaking architecture, a fully equipped production studio, and a mix of private and communal spaces surrounded by lush jungle, Pompey is designed as a refuge for creativity and relaxation. Guests can indulge in water sports, mountain biking, and the vibrant nightlife that Portland has to offer.

 

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that based on preliminary figures Jamaica has welcomed just over 2 million stopover visitors and some 3 million total visitors, including cruise arrivals, between 1^st January and 14^th September 2024, an increase in 2023 figures. Minister Bartlett said “The latest arrival figures are a remarkable achievement for Jamaica. The tourism sector has earned approximately US$2.97 billion since the year began. Despite various challenges including, hurricane Beryl and tightness in relation to airlift, the sustained recovery and growth demonstrates and reflects the strength and resilience of our tourism sector and the continued appeal of Jamaica as a premier travel destination.”

 

The year has welcomed luxury developments to existing properties too, with Montego Bay’s Round Hill welcoming Villa 14 estate, consisting of three luxury villas and staff quarters, and Half Moon set to unveil its new multi-bedroom Prestige Ocean & Ocean Villas in November 2024, bringing additional state-of-the-art private villas to the oceanfront property in Rose Hall.

 

In the works is Montego Bay’s Unico Hotel 18*77*, Planet Hollywood Royalton in St. Thomas Parish and Planet Hollywood Royalton planned for Trelawny bringing upwards of 1,600 additional rooms.

 

Expanding the island’s teeming cultural offering, Falmouth also opened The Artisan Village, an experience of rich culture, history and innovation. The village includes a creative hub with shops, daily performances and complimentary access. Visitors can step into a world where authentic Jamaican crafts, cuisine, and culture blend seamlessly with cutting-edge digital experiences.

 

Jamaica will also play host to several highly anticipated events that showcase the island’s culinary and cultural richness. Kicking off the bustling events calendar, Rebel Salute in January and Reggae Month which will see a series of events and concerts throughout February in celebration of the island’s legendary artists and rich musical heritage, along with celebrations of the world’s treasured musical icon, Bob Marley, with his 80^th Birthday falling on 6^th of the month. The festivities continue with Carnival in Jamaica, the ultimate celebration of the nation’s culture, concerts, dance and costume with the street march on 27^th April.

 

Summer welcomes a packed events agenda with Jamaica’s celebrated bi-annual literary Calabash festival from 23-25^th May, and the weeklong Reggae Sumfest music festival in Montego Bay from 18^th July. ​

 

Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, running every November in Kingston, is a culinary extravaganza featuring fine liquors, top Jamaican DJs, and live entertainment. Over six days, attendees can indulge in authentic dining experiences, where the biggest challenge will be choosing which events to attend. ​

 

Rounding off the year is the Negril Reggae Marathon, scheduled for early December 2024. This premier international marathon event welcomes participants of all levels to join in a spirited celebration of fitness and reggae music. The internationally certified course in Negril is known for its supportive atmosphere and lively musical backdrop.

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