Jamaica Sees Growth with 2.3 Million Visitors and $2.4 Billion in Tourism Revenue

Jamaica’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate strong and steady growth, welcoming 2.3 million visitors and generating $2.4 billion in revenue from January to June 2025. These figures were announced by Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, at the recent ‘Christmas in July’ trade fair in Kingston, which celebrated local entrepreneurship and inclusive tourism development.

The data indicates a promising rebound for Jamaica’s tourism industry and underscores the island’s lasting appeal as a premier Caribbean destination for travellers worldwide, including the increasing Indian market. Based on current trends, Jamaica is projected to exceed three million stopover arrivals by the end of the year.

Innovative Developments on the Horizon

Jamaica is preparing for the Caribbean’s tallest hotel and its inaugural Tourism Innovation Township in Montego Bay. Dominated by a 33-storey Moon Palace resort, the township will feature over 5,000 hotel rooms alongside social infrastructure such as a STEM school, supermarkets, healthcare facilities, and community services. Operating on a circular economy model, the township aims to generate and manage its own electricity and water supply whilst promoting locally produced goods for the hospitality industry.

Further developments, including new Sandals and AC Marriott properties, are anticipated to bring over 10,000 additional hotel rooms to Montego Bay by 2030, strengthening Jamaica’s reputation as a progressive, investment-friendly tourism destination.

Celebrating Local Entrepreneurship: Christmas in July

Now in its 11^th year, the Christmas in July initiative was held at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, featuring 180 Jamaican producers, including 106 participating for the first time. Exhibits showcased products such as aromatherapy, fashion, food, and artisanal crafts aimed at hospitality, cruise retail, and corporate gifting. Supported by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the initiative has generated over $135 million in sales since its inception, helping Jamaican products reach international markets.

Minister Bartlett reiterated the importance of deeper community involvement in the tourism economy, stating: “Every handcrafted product on display represents one of the pillars in the journey to link tourism to the prosperity of all Jamaicans.”

As part of Jamaica’s broader Tourism Linkages Network, the programme plays a vital role in building a more resilient, self-sustaining tourism model—one that also presents opportunities for collaboration with the Indian travel trade and buyers.