JHTA - Montego Bay Chapter, Montego Bay (2026)

16/04/2026

The JHTA Montego Bay Chapter proudly acknowledges and thank for the invaluable contribution and continued success in shaping Jamaica's tourism sector. Your commitment has played a meaningful role in shaping its growth and global reputation.

09/04/2026

Infrastructure development in Montego Bay is progressing steadily, with the Montego Bay Perimeter Road project on track for completion by September 2026, an outcome expected to significantly enhance the resort city’s accessibility and tourism appeal.

The development which is valued at approximately US$354 million includes a 15-kilometre bypass, upgrades to key traffic corridors such as West Green Avenue and Barnett Street, the Long Hill Bypass, and a major bridge over the Montego River.

For Jamaica’s tourism sector, the implications are significant. Montego Bay, the island’s primary tourism hub and gateway for international visitors, has long faced traffic congestion challenges that impact transfer times between the airport, hotels, and attractions.

The project comes at a pivotal time for Jamaica’s tourism sector, which continues to rebound and expand following disruptions caused by extreme weather events that previously impacted visitor arrivals and tourism-related services.

Upon completion, the Montego Bay Perimeter Road is expected to:
◾Improve destination efficiency and visitor satisfaction
◾Enable faster, seamless transfers for cruise and air passengers
◾Increase logistical efficiency for hotels, attractions, and suppliers
◾Position Montego Bay as a more competitive, investment-ready destination

The phased completion schedule will see sections such as West Green Avenue and the Montego Bay Bypass delivered by September 2026, with additional components extending into 2027.

09/04/2026

Jamaica’s expanding tourism sector is driving a major housing initiative, with nearly 4,000 units planned to accommodate workers in the industry.

The development responds to increasing demand for affordable housing as tourism investment and employment continue to rise. The programme forms part of a broader strategy to improve worker well-being while supporting the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Industry stakeholders have long identified housing as a critical pillar in maintaining workforce stability, particularly in high-demand destinations like Montego Bay.

According to Edmund Bartlett, the development programme is part of broader efforts to improve the quality of life for workers while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the sector. Approximately 2,250 units are expected to be delivered in one phase of the development, with additional units planned across key communities in and around the resort city.

The move underscores Jamaica’s commitment to aligning tourism growth with social infrastructure, ensuring the industry remains both competitive and inclusive.

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03/04/2026

The JHTA Montego Bay Chapter extends warmest wishes for a peaceful and joyous Easter.

May this season of renewal inspire hope, unity, and continued growth within our tourism family and the wider community. Happy Easter!

02/04/2026

Shernette Crichton has been appointed Managing Director of Half Moon Resort, becoming the first Jamaican to hold the position in the resort’s distinguished history.

This landmark appointment underscores a significant shift in Jamaica’s hospitality landscape, highlighting the strength of local leadership at one of the Caribbean’s most iconic luxury properties.

A respected hospitality professional with decades of experience, Crichton has played a pivotal role in shaping operational excellence and elevating the guest experience at the resort over the years. Her appointment reflects a continued commitment to world-class standards and authentic Jamaican representation at the executive level.

The JHTA Montego Bay Chapter extends congratulations to Shernette Crichton on this historic achievement and commends Half Moon for its continued contribution to nation building and leadership development within Jamaica’s tourism sector.

25/03/2026

Sangster International Airport has resumed its expansion programme following temporary disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, with key infrastructure works now progressing steadily.

The multi-phase development includes the near completion of expanded check-in facilities, designed to improve passenger processing efficiency, as well as the introduction of a new western access entrance aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing overall accessibility to the airport.

Airport operations have returned to full capacity, with all gates reopened and passenger flow normalized. The resumption of works signals a strong recovery effort and reinforces operational resilience within one of the Caribbean’s busiest air transport hubs.

This ongoing expansion forms part of a broader strategic initiative to modernize airport infrastructure, improve the overall passenger experience, and accommodate increasing visitor arrivals to Jamaica. Enhancements are expected to deliver greater efficiency across arrivals and departures while supporting long-term growth in the tourism sector.

22/03/2026

Today, we recognize World Water Day under the global theme: “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”

The JHTA Montego Bay Chapter also acknowledges the national theme: “Water for All: Inclusivity and Equity.” This speaks to ensuring every Jamaican, including our neighbouring communities, has fair and reliable access to clean water.

Equitable water access is essential to sustainabilitysupporting healthier communities, protecting our environment, and strengthening key sectors like tourism. When we secure water for all, we build a more resilient and inclusive Jamaica.

08/03/2026

The JHTA Montego Bay Chapter extends Happy International Women’s Day to the phenomenal "Women in Tourism. This year's theme, " Give to Gain,"emphasizes that investing in women through mentorship, resources, and opportunities creates a ripple effect.

Thank you for your leadership, resilience and proactive support to drive progress and equality, proving that supporting women strengthens communities and organizations.

05/03/2026

Montego Bay’s tourism sector earned international acclaim at the Pacific Area Travel Writers Award (PATWA) which was held during the PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit, held alongside the global tourism trade show ITB Berlin 2026.

Several tourism leaders and entities from the resort city received top honours for excellence in hospitality and tourism leadership. Among the standout winners are:- S Hotel Montego Bay, which received the PATWA Best Boutique Hotels Authentic Experiences Award (Caribbean) while the hotel’s CEO, Christopher Issa, was recognised with the PATWA Gold Award for Excellence in Hospitality Innovation (Jamaica) for his leadership in delivering distinctive guest experiences and advancing hospitality innovation in the Jamaica.

Montego Bay’s meetings and events sector was also recognised internationally. Mureen James, Executive Director of the Montego Bay Convention Centre, received the PATWA Gold Award for Excellence in MICE Hospitality (Caribbean), highlighting the facility’s growing reputation as a premier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, was honoured with the Tourism Minister of the Year award, recognising his global leadership and policy direction that have strengthened Jamaica’s tourism resilience and international competitiveness.

The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Montego Bay Chapter extends congratulations to all awardees, noting that the international recognition reflects the continued innovation and leadership emerging from Montego Bay and the wider Jamaican tourism industry.

PATWA International Travel Awards celebrate excellence across the global travel and tourism industry, recognising governments, organisations, destinations and industry leaders who have made significant contributions to the advancement of tourism.

05/03/2026

UPDATE - More hotels in Montego Bay continue to reopen, some in phases and others through full operations, following temporary closures caused by the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

Industry stakeholders say the return of these properties will restore valuable accommodation capacity to the destination just as travel demand is expected to increase.

According to Kerry Ann Quallo Casserly, Chairperson for the JHTA Montego Bay Chapter, "the phased reopening of several hotels follows months of recovery work, upgrades and operational preparations after the weather system impacted parts of the tourism sector."

“The outlook for Montego Bay is extremely positive. Several hotels that were temporarily closed following the impact of Hurricane Melissa have been undergoing repairs, refurbishment and operational preparations, and by July more hotels will be back on stream,” Quallo Casserly said.

Montego Bay remains Jamaica’s largest tourism destination in terms of room inventory, and these reopenings will strengthen our ability to welcome more visitors while maintaining the high standards of hospitality that the destination is known for.”

Tourism leaders also expect strong hotel occupancy levels throughout Summer 2026, supported by an expanding calendar of major concerts, festivals and entertainment events across the resort city. These events are expected to attract visitors from regional and international markets, further strengthening tourism activity.

Visit the
Website for an update on opening dates of hotels licated in Montego Bay and Trelwany.

Photo Credit:

27/02/2026

The TUI Care Foundation , in partnership with INVEST – (Institute of Vocational Education and Skills Training) recently hosted the TUI Academy Jamaica Certification and Awards Ceremony. Certification was provided in partnership with HEART/NSTA Trust.

The event celebrated the successful completion of training by participants of the TUI Academy Jamaica programme and highlighted the critical role played by Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Montego Bay chapter members in shaping Jamaica’s next generation of tourism professionals.

At the heart of the programme is a strong on-the-job training component, made possible through the direct support of JHTA member properties. These businesses opened their doors to students, providing structured workplace exposure, mentorship, and real-world hospitality experience. This hands-on training ensured participants not only gained certification, but also practical industry readiness.

Several JHTA member properties received special mention for their outstanding support of the initiative, including RIU Resorts, Royalton Blue Waters & Hideaway, Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, and SeaGarden Beach Resort. Their commitment to hosting trainees reinforced the industry’s collective responsibility to invest in talent development.

23/02/2026

The TUI Care Foundation has strengthened its commitment to cultural preservation and creative entrepreneurship with the expansion of its TUI Colourful Cultures programme in Montego Bay, an initiative designed to empower local artists and artisans, help them professionalize their craft, access tourism markets, and preserve Jamaica’s cultural heritage.

A major component of the expansion is a new collaboration with Kingston Creative, which is extending its acclaimed public art programme beyond the capital to Montego Bay. Working alongside partners including S-Hotel, the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, and local artists, the initiative will introduce large-scale murals designed to transform public spaces into vibrant cultural showcases.

The project will culminate in the development of a curated Artwalk experience in Sam Sharpe Square, envisioned as an immersive cultural trail where residents and visitors can engage directly with Jamaican stories, artistry, and heritage in an open-air setting.

In addition to public art installations, the programme includes storytelling and documentation efforts to preserve community histories and amplify the voices of cultural bearers. Organizers say this approach ensures that tourism growth is rooted in authenticity while providing tangible economic opportunities for creatives.

JHTA - Montego Bay Chapter

16/04/2026

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

03/04/2026

02/04/2026

25/03/2026

22/03/2026

08/03/2026

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27/02/2026

23/02/2026

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